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A WEEKLY 


DTED TO THE BEST CURRENT 8< STANDARD LITERATURE. 


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Entered at the Post Office, N. T.', as Second Class Matter. I 


IREHE, OR THE LONELY MANOR, j 


GAEL DETLEP. 


BY 


< » ^ 


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NEW YofeKi^A07‘‘-&J ;■ 

JOHN W. LOVELL COMPANY, 

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Hyperion, by Longfellow, . . .20 

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. 1, No. 29. September 28, 1882, Issued Weekly. Annual Subscription, 52 Numbers, $8.00. 

IRENE, 

OR 

THE LONELY MANOR, 


‘‘Where are your thoughts, Carl Ivanovitsch ? You 
are perfectly silent.” 

“The result of past terrors and exertions — I have 
nerves, my dear fellow, though you may not yet be aware 
of it.” 

“ You are the strangest mortal under the sun. You’ll 
attack a bear with only a knife, never lose your coolness 
in times of peril, and yet shriek at the sight of a leech 
like a timid girl.” 

“ I hate surprises. If you had told me that your con- 
founded sluggish Steppe rivers contained thousands of 
leeches, that rushed greedily at bare legs, I should have 
made my prejiarations accordingly and not laid aside, in 
order to take these shy water fowl by surprise, garmentJi 
which throughout cultivated Europe, with the exception 


4 


IRENE, OR 


of the Scotch Highlands, are considered necessary arti- 
cles of clothing/’ 

“ Then you won’t go duck shooting to-morrow ? ” 

“ At any rate only in a boat. You won’t get me into 
that labyrinth of reeds, marshy water, snakes, and vermin 
again.” 

“ Are you tired ? ” 

As a dray horse. This has been a hard day. It be- 
gan cheerfully by the worthy Vania’s pouring a pail of 
ice water over my body, upon which you tipped a cup of 
hot tea down my throat. Frozen without and scorched 
within, I started upon this hunting party, upon which 
the sun soon sent down his burning rays. We tramped 
and waded about twelve mortal hours. I feel utterly 
worn out, so exhausted mentally and physically, that I am 
indifferent even to the magic of this summer night — 
Vania, if there is such a thing as a pillow among the late 
aunt’s effects, push it under my curly head, the outlines 
of this wooden arm are becoming quite too indelibly im- 
pressed on my skull — oh ! wondrous, profound silence — 
do you know that poem, Alexander? Oh ! no, you de- 
sj)ise German poetry. bTever mind, I can remember only 
the first words, but I’ll hum the tune — ” 

‘‘ Thanks, Vania, that pillow just suits my back. God 
will repay you in the other world, as my uncle used to 
say when any one did him a service, and this prospective 
reward relieved him from the inconvenience of giving a 
fee.” 


THE LONELY MANGE. 


5 


I had taken my friend, Alexander Gregorovitsch, by 
surprise the night before. The idea had occurred to me 
very suddenly, probably caused by the terrible dullness 
and hot dusty air, which brooded like a leaden cloud over 
St. Petei-sburg. Alexander had told me that in mid- 
summer he should go to an out of the way estate, south- 
east of Moscow, which he had inherited a short time be- 
fore from an aged aunt, who had lived there in the deep- 
est seclusion. It was a friend’s duty to ascertain whether 
the inheritance was of any value ; so I set out and reached 
his house without giving him any intimation of my in- 
tention. 

The plain, unpretending mansion, evidently built in 
the previous century, and whose thick, brown, wooden 
walls afforded a comfortable j^rotection from the severest 
cold, every where revealed traces of an old maid’s life. 
On the faded silk damask coverings of the furniture lay 
crocheted tidies, gay embroideries were devoted to the 
strangest uses, for instance, a spittoon w^as surrounded 
with a border of faded forget-me-nots, cushions, bell ropes, 
lamp mats, and towel-racks abounded ; porcelain vases 
with bouquets of artificial flowers stood under glass 
cases, embroidered pictures, in which beads represented 
the eyes and a few stitches of scarlet wool the mouth, 
hung framed on the walls, while work and key baskets 
could be counted by dozens. The library, which was con- 
tained on the shelves of a small etagere, consisted of the 
works of Florian, Tblemaque, Paul et Virginie, a prayer- 


C) 


IRENE, OR 


book and cook-book ; the latter must have been often 
used and the owner had noted her owa culinary experi. 
ences in delicate writing on the margin of the pages. 
Between the leaves were book-marks bearing sentimental 
devices : a heart pierced by an arrow covered the recipe 
for a supreme de volaille^ an anchor rested on ^vol au 
vent a la Pompadour. A shabby grey parrot with spite- 
ful eyes screamed horribly, as soon as it heard the rattling 
of cups and plates, a pug dog, whose right forepaw was 
wrapped in wadding because it suffered from rheumatism, 
limj)ed about on three legs. It did not bark, but made 
a hoarse vTheezing sound. One involuntarily entered 
these rooms with a light step, as if he might unexpectedly 
meet the coughing old lady. 

The manor stood on gently rising ground, not far from 
the river ; behind it was a garden with shady trees, whose 
interlaced branches formed an arbor, beneath which it 
was cool and dark even at noon day. The place did not 
produce a cheerful impression, and yet one could not tell 
why it should be gloomy. The sky was blue, the horizon 
clear, the bank of the river, along which grew reeds and 
willows, was picturesque ; on the 02)posite side stood an 
ancient forest, which though it did not belong to Mali- 
novka, supplied peasants and owner with wood. Perhaps 
the lonely situation was the cause of its desolate appear- 
ance. For ten leagues around, Alexander informed me, 
there were no neighbors worthy of the name, all the 
estates were terres de rapport^ that is, lands managed by 


TEE LONELY MANOR. 


7 


stewards with the utmost regard for their own interests 
and the least consideration for those of the owners of the 
property. 

The summer evening was just as I like it ; dark, still 
and warm. We were in that delightful state of pleasant 
fatigue, always experienced when, after severe physical 
exertion one has been refreshed by a bath and change of 
linen, and then with a cigar or a narghileh — Alexander’s 
pet fancy — stretched oneself at full length on cushions in 
an attitude more comfortable than graceful. 

We did so, and as we were on very intimate terms 
allowed each other the pleasure of silence, without feel- 
ing obliged to rack our brains to discover some interest- 
ing subject for conversation. We were on the narrow 
terrace, he dozing on one bench, I on another ; I cannot 
deny that we had our -legs thrown pver the balustrade 
and our costume was by no means tight or oppressive. 
One of the maid servants, who caught sight of us, even 
threw her apron over her head and ran away giggling. 
The worthy housekeeper, also a legacy, was preparing tea 
in an adjoining room and communicated with us by means 
of the lad Vania, who — as she expressed it — was no longer 
capable of being harmed, which fact augured an abyss of 
corruption. So we lay and dreamed. Long legged flies 
alighted impudently on our noses, causing angry sneezes, 
bats swept noiselessly past us, the sky was black with 
motionless clouds, which promised a long rain on the 
morrow. On the damp turf glow worms danced in fan- 


8 


IRENE, OR 


tastic circles, as if they were undisputed lords of the 
soil. I know not whether sleep made my sight uncertain, 
but they seemed to increase to huge dimensions and I 
fell into a profound reverie, as to whether these phos- 
phorescent little creatures might not be turned to account 
for illuminating purposes, and why no one had ever put 
this clever idea into practice. In front of the terracea 
fountain was dragging out a lingering existence, a slender 
stream of water made a feeble effort to leap a few feet, 
but sank back with a low gurgling sound into its subter- 
ranean pipe, from whence after a time it again timidly at- 
tempted to gain the upper world. It seemed as if it were 
reflecting whether it should not follow the old lady’s ex- 
ample and vanish from the earth forever. Two or three 
hundred paces from the house the little sluggish river 
crept along ; the mist rising from it gave warning of 
fever in the early spring ; the dead aunt had had a jjas- 
sion for prescribing for those who fell victims to it, and 
was entirely indifferent whether she used allopathic or 
lioinoepathic treatment ; she had two apothecaries whose 
medicaments she took by turns with the strictest impar- 
tiality. It spoke well for the vigorous constitutions of 
the peasants, that they victoriously resisted this treat- 
ment. Now the season for fog was over, the white veil 
did not rest on the meadow. 

“ Who’s there ?” cried Alexander suddenly, starting 


up 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


9 


I started, as I have already remarked, my nerves are 
very sensitive. 

“What’s the matter?” I asked angrily, why do you 
disturb our comfortable repose ? ” 

“ Something is creeping about down by the river — 
don’t you see the light yonder ? ” 

“ A glow worm,” I replied peevishly, “ but people 
don’t usually challenge these glittering creatures. You 
are terribly unpoetical.” 

“ That’s no glow worm — it’s a stable lantern.” 

I slowly raised my head. 

A reddish light was certainly gliding by the rushes, 
and we distinctly heard a slight rustling sound, as if 
some one were forcing his way through them. 

“ Holloa ! ” repeated my friend, with an unusual ex- 
penditure of breath. 

“ A thin hollow voice, such as is peculiar to elderly, 
childish people, answered ; the words were inaudible, 
only the plaintive whining tone echoed from the river. 
Vania trembled violently, his busy fancy wavered be 
tween two suppositions ; either it was a Russalka wan- 
dering along the shore and uttering low wails, which 
always foreboded misfortune and death, or it was a rob- 
ber, who meant first to set fire to the reeds and then the 
house. His teeth chattered audibly, and he protested he 
would rather forfeit his salvation, of which he thought 
himself sure, than run into the open jaws of the danger. 

The shouting to and fro continued, the distance gradu- 


10 


IRENE, OR 


ally lessened, the light and the whining voice came 
nearer. An old man with hent figure appeared between 
the trees, he carried a lantern in his hand and humbly 
explained to the Barin,* that he was only trying to 
catch some cray-fish. After this justification of his con- 
duct he tottered back, the reddish light again glided over 
the reeds, the plashing of oars soon became audible, the 
startled wild ducks fiew screaming into the air, and it 
was sometime before the excitement among the water 
fowl subsided. 

I lighted a cigar and drank my fourth cup of tea. 

Alexander ! ’’ 

“ Well Carl Ivanovitsch ? ” 

“ Do you know that you are wonderfully lucky ? ” 

‘‘ How so ? 

“ Your family seems to consist entirely of rich uncles 
and aunts, which is more than I can say of mine. Those 
of my beloved relatives, who are blessed with this world’s 
goods, rejoice in a proportionate number of male and 
female descendants. One old cousin of my mother, who 
was my last hope, married in his sixtieth year and his 
seventeen year old wife gave him at tlie end of the pio- 
per time a fat scion, who as the recherche depaternite is in. 
terdite:^ was joyfully welcomed by the happy father. 
When I compare my fate with yours ! Two uncles have 
left you two estates, an aunt a house, and now this wortliy 
lady — what was her name? ” 


* Master. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


11 


“Tatiana Gregorievna/’ 

“Whose existence you did not suspect, till the law in 
formed you of it in the pleasantest way. You are a very 
rich man, and yet you unfortunately know nothing about 
spending money. You don’t gamble, you don’t bet, you 
are neither a gourmand nor a drunkard, you despise wo- 
men, have no hobbies — tell me, in the name of all the 
saints, what under such circumstances you can do with 
an income of sixty thousand roubles. There is nothing 
left except to marry. You are thirty years old, and 
without flattery, a handsome man, a jDerfecr gentleman? 
energetic enough to hold the reins of the household firmly? 
in spite of feminine cunning — I think you ought to take 
the step, as a duty to your property, your native land. 
Besides, I should have no objection to it! I would pay 
your wife as much attention as is proper for your friend 
hold your first born over the baptismal font — ” 

“ Gently, gently, Carl Ivanovitsch, you are dispo- 
sign of my future quite too obligingly — I shall die a 
bachelor.” 

“ Ridiculous ! It would do very well if I said that, 
who know women too thoroughly to believe in their 
power of bestowing happiness. But you, Alexander 
Gregorovitsch, who belong to the small number of ideal- 
ists so rapidly vanishing from Russia ; in your eyes a halo 
surrounds every woman’s head, you maintain in all you, 
intercourse with the fair sex a delicate, respectful reserve 
which is almost provoking, as the charming Countess T- 


12 


IRENE, OR 


said a short time ago — ^by the way, she flirted with you 
abominably. Why don’t you wish to marry?” 

“ Because in a week after the wedding I should no 
longer love my wife.” 

“ Who allows you to hold my opinions ? It’s sheer 
intellectual robbery.” 

“We arrived at the same result by different methods, 
you are a mauvais sujet because you — ” 

“ Let that pass, mon cher^ it requires no explanation — 
but I’m curious to hear what objections you have to make 
to the tie, which so generally tempts those it binds to 
evil, that the church has sought out her finest fetters 
to unite the fugitives.” 

“ There was a time, when I dreamed that the wife 
would know how to retain the charm, of the betrothed — ” 

“ Oh ! you strange enthusiast. I take tlie liberty of 
making the quotation, because you cultivate German 
literature with these ideas you must of course be vowed 
to perpetual celebacy. How were your eyes opened ! ” 

“ I have not listened in vain to the confidences of my 
two best friends. Our pattern young ladies, a week after 
their wedding day, often behave towards their husbands 
with a freedom which makes them blush for themselves 
and the waiting maids. If a goddess would not shrink 
from arranging her toilette in my presence, she would be 
divested of every charm ; if she had a mouth like a rose 
bud and a smile like sunlight ; they would no longer attract 
me if I had seen her clean her teeth with poiidre dentri- 


THE LONE 2. Y A2A NOE, 


18 


ficCy accompanying the operation with the necessary gurg- 
ling sounds. I am somewhat sensitive in this respect? 
and have never understood why, merely because two per- 
sons are married, the simplest rules of propriety must be 
disregarded.’' 

“ Well, well that objection could be removed by means 
of separate dressing-rooms. Of course you must throw 
overboard all illusions about the ideal nature of woman, 
they won’t do, I tell you, they won’t do ! Meantime I 
hope to be a witness of your conversion, Alexander 
Gregorovitsch.” 

He shook his head and turned his face to the wall. 

“ Don’t waste your powers of persuasion, Carl Ivano- 
vitsch, my aversion has more serious reasons ; I should 
fear by taking this step to defy fate — all the marriages 
in my family have been unhappy. My parents were only 
bound together by the stern rules of the church ; my 
mother lived on her estates in the South, my father, it is 
true, resided in the North, thousand of miles away, yet 
one cast a shadow on the other’s path — my sister was 
only released from unendurable tyranny by an early death, 
my aunt, my mother’s older sister, fled from her husband 
and found a miserable end in some out of the way corner 
of the earth, her only brother shot himself, after having, 
it is said, murdered his friend in a fit of wild jealousy ; 
my grandmother made life a hell to my grandfather, who 
certainly deserved it a thousand-fold — you will admit, 
that these examples are by no means encouraging — they 


14 


IRENE OR 


say that on our family rests the curse, that every marriage 
shall result in despair and shame/’ 

In spite of my lazy ease, I started up to obtain a glimpse 
of Alexander’s face — was this gloomy tone serious ? Did 
he really believe in the power of such a baleful proj^hecy ? 
His head was resting on his arm, his black waving hair 
fell back from the proud foreliead, his eyes, shaded by 
dark brows, had a strangely thoughtful expression. It 
was a new discovery to me, to find that he allowed super- 
stitious fears to obtain control over him. This mood, I 
instantly perceived, could not be dispelled by a bad joke, 
and as I knew of nothing wiser to say, I sank back oi] 
my cushions, stretched my legs still farther over the balus- 
trade, and was silent. My friend also remained mute. 

It has always afforded me pleasure to look through 
the windows of a brilliantly lighted room ; the persons 
moving about within produce the same impression as the 
actors on a stage. But the charm is perhaps still greater? 
if the apartment is silent and unoccupied, every article 
of furniture then appears in a certain sense to have a 
face, the folds of the curtains seem to breathe, the life- 
less objects begin to stretch and stir — which we call creak- 
ing — as if a spell had been removed from them. From 
my place I could overlook the drawing-room. The house- 
keeper had gone away, and instead of the samovar * an 
old-fashioned Carcel lamp, which gave a very clear light, 
had been placed on the table. Opposite me was the 
* Tea-urn. 


THE LONELY MANOR 


15 


mantel-piece, a shabby arm chair stood near it; Tatiana 
Gregorievna, the aunt, had probably spent her long even- 
ings here, occupied in the artistic fancy work, for whose 
preservation yonder tall basket, woven of bark, had 
doubtless served. Had she never been terribly bored, 
and from time to time glanced sleepily at the bronze 
clock, on which a graceful mythological God was bearing 
away a struggling maiden ? Had it never made her im- 
patient to see the figures eternally balancing on one 
leg? 

The account book lay on the window-sill, where the 
lady could easily reach it when she looked over the bills 
with the housekeeper. Alexander had told me that she 
managed her property admirably, accumulated a large 
sum of money without oppressing the peasants, and Jeft 
the estate in a flourishing condition. I wondered that 
under such circumstances she had remained unwedded, 
like a second Queen Bess, that no enterprising country 
nobleman had made the attempt to induce her to try the 
joys of married life. She must have been determined 
not to change her condition and seemed to have trans- 
mitted her anti-matrimonial prejudices to her nephew and 
heir, who would smoke his narghileh and read newspapers 
in the very chair, where she had plied her embroidery 
needle and crochet hook. When some gay bachelor like 
myself did not bear him company and fill the house with 
gayety and laughter, it would be as quiet and lonely as 
if the old lady still wandered about in her lavender dress, 


16 


IRENE, OR 


dustiug the porcelain vases containing the artificial 
flowers. 

On the right of the mantel-piece hung a picture in a 
broad, clumsy, blackened gilt frame. I had not noticed 
it before, but now the lamp light fell full upon it and I 
perceived that it had been executed by the hand of some 
clever artist. It was the portrait of a man about sixty 
years of age, the blue ribbon of the order of Andrew 
crossed his broad breast, the hilt of his sword was set with 
jewels, the hand resting upon it, though partially con- 
cealed by a lace cuff, looked hard and muscular — what- 
ever it seized, it would surely have clutched in an iron 
grasp and never released. The gentleman had powdered 
hair, the thick queue was tied with a black bow, whose 
ends according to the fashion of the day, were brought 
forward and fastened on the cravat with a breast-pin. 
The bushy dark eye-brows formed a striking contrast to 
the white powder, a contrast which increased the unpleas- 
ant inq^ression produced by the features. A cloud low- 
ered upon the narrow, massive brow, and threatened to 
discharge its thunderbolts at any moment. The coarse, 
full contour of the mouth and chin betrayed a cruel, sen- 
sual nature. The face was not positively ugly, but it 
lacked every noble line, the eyes were piercing and had 
the steady gaze of the beast tamer, before which the 
fiercest animal slinks growling into the farthest corner of 
its cage. The court dress of white velvet, embroidered 
with gold, the Brussels lace cravat, the aim ost effeminate 


THE LONELY MANOR 


17 


elegsiiice of the whole coBtume only made the brutal des- 
potism of the face still more repellant. This man was 
like the ideal my fancy had conjured up of that rude, 
powerful favorite of the Russian Semiramis, who riding 
whip in hand, effected a reconciliation with his imperial 
love by force. 

The power exerted by the living man over his fellow 
mortals, was not lost even in the iDortrait. Obeying some 
secret impulse, my eyes constantly wandered back to him, 
and the more frequently I looked, the more threatening 
grew the face within the frame. I would have sworn 
that the thick bushy brows contracted and the eyes flashed, 
that the hand rested more heavily on the sword hilt. If 
the old lady in the lavender dress spent her evenings in 
the sole company of this unpleasant picture, she must 
have had strong nerves. There — did not a fierce smile 
play around the mouth? I started up — no, a huge moth 
had made the flame of the lamp flicker and cast a change- 
ful glimmer over the painted face. I stretched myself 
and shut my eyes — what was the old gentleman with the 
blue ribbon to me ? He might look down from the wall 
to his heart’s content and wonder what had become of the 
old lady, who had formerly embroidered so unweariedly. 

I pushed a soft leather cushion under my head, and 
smoked a real imported Havanna, the soft summer air 
fanned my temples, the dark clouds above me parted, 
several stars gleamed through the rifts, a shooting star, 
which seemed to leave a long glittering trail behind it 


18 


IRENE, OR 


darted obli quely across the horrizon — it was the month f 
of August. I 

“ Ce rCest qu ''une etoile qui file, qui file, file et disparait \ 
flfi I murmured. My memory is uncommonly tenacious 
and, to the horror of my friends, I am partial to making 
quotations. 

“ Do you still retain your fancy for B6ranger ? ” asked 
my host. 

“ The only French poet, who is worthy to be named 
beside a Puschkin,” I answered in a blase tone. The most 
important and necessary thing for you, my dear Alex- 
ander, is to order comfortable seats for your new house. 
Your honored aunt did not understand the requirements 
of modern ease, there isn’t a single luxurious piece of fur 
niture in the whole house — I’ll send you some couches, 
arm chairs, etc. from St. Petersburg — partly on my own 
account, my left side aches.” 

“ My right foot has fallen asleeps — suppose we change 
places.” 

Out of consideration for my own limbs I declared my- 
self ready, and after considerable yawning and stretching 
found my position endurable. I could now overlook the 
other half of the drawing room,, and my eyes first sought 
the companion to the masculine portrait, which I sup- 
posed was on the left of the mantel-piece. Right ! There 
it hung — oh ! what a bewitching, dreamily beautiful wo- 
man ! I leaned far into the room, to look at the sweet 
face more closely. 


THE LONELY MANOR 


19 


“ What are you doing, Carl Ivanovitsch ? 

‘‘l^aying homage to beauty. Tell me, Alexander 
Gregorovitsch, to whom did these dirine features belong ? 
I never beheld such charms, and am in the act of falling 
madly in love with a picture. This is an angel, a goddess, 
and a woman. Who was she, what was her name ? 

I ‘‘ She was the first wife of my mother’s father.” 

j “ And the gentleman with the order of Andrew ? ” 

I ‘‘ My grandfather, the husband of the beautiful wo- 

! man.” 

“ Her husband — poor thing ! ” 

“Yes, she was indeed worthy of pity. Look at her 
closely, is she not the very embodiment of sorrow and 
suffering ? ” 

It was as he said. The little head, on which rested a 
small coronet of diamonds drooped as if oppressea by the 
glittering border ; a lock of urn powdered dark hair fell 
on the white brow and cast a shadow over the large, al- 
mond shaped black eyes, which were fixed thoughtfully 
on a half-withered rose, that lay between the slender 
fingers. The delicate nose formed a straight line with the 
brow, the sweet rosebud mouth, the clear complexion, 
the faultless neck, the gently sloping shoulders — all con- 
formed to the requirements of the noblest beauty. Even 
the heavy magnificence of the dress — a purple velvet 
mantle lined with ermine and fastened on the shoulders 
by diamond clasps, an underskirt of drap argent^ ropes 
of pearls on the neck and arms, could not destrov the 


20 


IRENE, OR 


girlish charm of the graceful figure. A famous artist 
must have painted this picture. Who was he ? “ Leviski,” 
replied my friend, an admirable portrait painter, who 
was attached to ths court of Catharine II. To be sure, 
this is his most successful work, the fate of the unhappy 
young wife may have excited his compassion, perhaps in 
the despair of her crushed heart, bleeding amid the hol- 
low glitter of court life, she made him her confidant. I 
infer this from what a supei’ficial observer would call a 
whim, a caprice of the artist — look, in the calix of the rose 
is a worm, which has already commenced its work of des- 
truction. Underneath some hand has scrawled : 

“ Le ver rongeur — symhole de sa vie fletrieP 
“ Do you know any of the particulars of her life ? I 
asked eagerly. “You have never told me any thing 
about your family history.^’ 

“ Because my knowledge of it was very imperfect, 
my aunt’s papers, which I found here in her writing 
desk, first disclosed the past. My grandfather, Count 
W— ” 

“ Count Gregor Michailovitsch W. ? ” I eagerly inter- 
rupted, “ I did not know you had such a famous or 
rather notorious ancestor. Was he not one of the fav- 
orites of the great Catharine ? ” 

My friend nodded. “ She loaded him with wealth 
and honors, he distinguished himself by his barbarity in 
the Turkish war and was afterwards made field-marshal. 
More powerful and handsomer men crowded him out of 


THE LONELY MANOR 


21 


the empress, favor, but she remained tolerably gracious 
to him to the last. Athough he did not marry until ad- 
vanced in years, he had two wives, the first — yonder beau- 
tiful creature, whose picture no one can see without 
emotion — died young, the second survived him, and in 
her he found his mistress. Three children were the off- 
spring of this marriage, two girls and a boy, my mother 
was the youngest daughter.” 

“ Count W. your grandfather! This is new to me,” I 
answered thoughtfully. 

‘‘ I have never considered it an honor, that the wealth 
of our family came from a source so impure, therefore my 
silence ought not to surprise you. The profession of fav- 
orite forms one of the darkest pages of Russian history* 
Thank Heaven, since the first of this century, the throne 
has been occupied by rulers, whose family life is stainless 
— Of course I never saw my grandfather, at the time of 
his death my mother was still in the nurse’s arms. His 
son, the only heir of his name, became a suicide to escape 
from the tortures of remorse — I have already told you, 
that mad jealousy urged him to commit a crime. He left 
no children, and thus the name died out, for no one sus- 
pected the existence of this old aunt, who only gave signs 
of life a short time before her death, by appointing me, 
the last male descendant of the race, her heir.” 

“Ah ! then Tatiana Gregorievna was a Countess W.” 
(Out of consideration for my friend, I give merelv the 
initals of the name.) 


22 


IRENE, OR 


‘‘Yes the daughter of the beautiful woman who re- 
sembled a withered rose.’’ 

“ She was unmarried ? ” 

“ Certainly, marriage could not fail to inspire her with 
aversion and horror. She had an almost childish dread of 
the whole masculine sex, the wicked world, to which her 
gentle mother had fallen a. victim : and felt safe only on 
her own estate, which during a life of seventy-six years, 
she never left.” 

“ I must confess : Alexander Gregorovitsch, that I no 
longer like this place, now that I know it has so many 
gloomy associations. I wish your worthy aunt had trans 
formed it into some charitable institution, an asylum for 
orphaned girls of noble birth ; or a hospital for quarrelsome 
old women. Your grandfather’s portrait does not suit 
the mannikins and Chinese curiosities, it is like the sound 
of drums mingling with the wailing melody of a flute, 
it makes a discord in this neat, dainty old maid’s home. 
I shan’t be able to lay my head on one of these faded 
pillows without the uncomfortable thought, that they 
have stifled burning tears and bitter grief.” 

‘‘ It may have been so,” replied Alexander, pushing 
the thick hair back from his brow — “ Pardon me for not 
being a more entertaining host, Carl Ivanoviotsch. I looked 
forward to your visit with delight, and now you find me 
moody and sad. I am still under the influence of the 
impression produced by reading my aunt’s papers. You 
will understand it, if you peruse them yourself. Will it i 


THE^ LONEL Y MANOR. 


23 


interest you to learn their contents ? They will give you 
all the particulars of the beautiful countess, tragical fate, 
for they consist of a journal, notes, and memoirs arranged 
by an unskilful band, and written partly in the French 
and partly in the Russian language — shall I get them for 
you?’’ 

I eagerly acceped the offer, for I looked forward to 
these disclosures with the utmost interest. Alexander 
opened a small, varnished writing desk, on which stood a 
pot pourri vase filled with dry, dusty rose leaves^ and 
took out a portfolio covered with pale pink satin. On 
one side was a piece of embroidery in bright colored silks ; 
an urn shaded by a cypress tree, with the inscription : 
souvenirs^ around the edge ran a border of triangular 
ivy leaves, a blue satin ribbon fastened the loose sheets^ 
which were covered with writing in an old fashioned 
hand. 

It was already somewhat late in the evening, and we 
soon parted each seeking his own sleeping room. My 
fatigue, however, had disappeared, the portfolio excited 
my curiosity. I became absorbed reading the papers, 
which almost depriveed me of my nights rest. The first 
pages contained Countess W’s journal, then followed the 
story of Madame Laurent, her governess, and the conclu- 
sion was added by Tatiana Gregorievna, my friend’s aunt* 
She had copied the whole, arranged it, and completed 
the history from the verbal cornmunications of the faith- 
ful old instructress. 


24 


IRENE, OR 


With the exception of a few changes and omissions, 
demanded by due consideration for my friend, I here 
relate what I read. It is a by no means uninteresting aid 
to the proper understanding of a period, which consisted 
of the sharpest contrasts, which beside brilliant deeds 
and an enlightened, unprejudiced mode of thought, shows 
traits of roughness and cruelty arising from the defective 
education or arbritrary nature of individuals, which bear 
eloquent witness that culture cannot be given by one rulen 
but must be slowly and gradually developed from the 
people. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


25 


IRENE’S JOURNAL. 


Oui, en non donx printemps 
Et fleur de ma jeunesse, 

Touites les peinessens 
D’une entreme tristesse 
Et en rien n’ai plaisir 
Qu^en regret et desir, 

Kudovka, September 25th. 1790. 

To-morrow will be my seventeenth birthday. In 
November, before Lent, perhaps even sooner, if papa 
gives his consent, we shall be married, Valerian and I. 
Then I must leave Rudovka and go with my husband — 
how strange that sounds — to his home. I believe I shall 
shed a few tears at parting, but the sorrow will not last 
long, for my dear governess is to go with me, she will 
not leave me, I am sa petite fille cherie^^^ to whom she 
has so long filled a mother jfiace. She is very good, has 
the kindest heart in the world, there is no doubt of that, 
to be sure, she is often a little cross and fretful, especi- 
ally when she has quarreled with papa, which happens 
very often lately — I don’t see how she can find courage 
to oppose papa ! I scarcely dare to breathe in his pre- 


26 


IRENE, OR 


sence, and as soon as he fro wns and gets angry, turn cold 
with fright, and it seems as if all my limbs were par- 
alysed. 

Ma bonne (I am the only person who calls her so, the 
others address her as Pauline Carlovna or Madame Lau- 
rent) says my mamma was just such a timid little bird as 
I, ever in death her face wore an anxious, frightened ex- 
pression, as if she feared her husband’s loud, harsh voice 
would rouse her from the repose of the grave. She is 
said to have been remarkably beautiful and delicate, ma 
bonne^ who always weeps when^she speaks of her, oftei;i 
tells me she was as gentle and good as an angel. She 
was no Russian, but a German lady, and papa made her 
acquaintance in Moscow — How did it happen that she 
married him ? I could not have chosen a man so much 
older, with such stern features and such a harsh laugh ! 

When, on the other hand, I think of Valerian! My 
dear, dear Valenian ! Isn’t it odd, that one can love a 
stranger so fondly ? Is there anything in the world I 
would not do for him ? My heart stops beating when I 
see him in the distance, and when he stands before me 
and clasps my hands, throbs so violently, that it is almost 
painful, and my cheeks burns like fire. And he is no 
less agitated. ‘‘ Shut your eyes, he generally whispers,” 
they rob me of my senses.” 

A separation of a few days is a heavy trial to us both, 
ma bonne teases me by saying, that during his absence I 
am transformed from a rose into a lily — She cannot ira- 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


27 


I agine how I only live and breath in his presence. He 
will come back to-morrow, he has been away a whole 
week, for he was obliged to go to Moscow on account of 
pretended business, but I think it was to buy me apresent, 
perhaps some article of jewelry, a necklace or locket — 
I should be delighted, for I like to dress though it is 
' really unnecessary. Nobody sees me, and after I am 
married I shall go into society as little as I do now. 
Valerian’s estate, Malinovka, is even more secluded than 
ours, and there are scarcely any neighbors. At first he 
promised to take me to spend the winter in St Peters- 
burg or Moscow, that I might have a glimpse of the great 
world, but ma bonne entirely disapproved of the plan, 
called St. Petersburg a Babel that swallowed up virtue 
and innocence, and when we laughed incredulously, grew 
angry and said to Y alerian : 

“ Don’t take my advice amiss, you are only a few 
years older than the child and have no more experience. 
It would be unwise, almost unprincipled, to take Irene, as 
she has been created by God, into the midst of that corrupt 
society. She would not be there a day without being ex- 
posed to the most dangerous snares.” 

Valerian was somewhat vexed, and replied that he 
was man enough to watch over me and protect his rights. 
Ma bonne laugh scornfully — she was now mounted on her 
favorite hobby 

“ Rights ! Who has any rights in your country ? ” she 
asked “ Only your empress, and at the utmost her favorite. 


28 


IRENE, OR 


I do not know the great Catharine, she must probably be 
a woman of intellect, since Voltaire corresponds with her 
and Diderot honors her with his friendship, but she, is 
nothing but a tyrant and despot, who according to her 
fancy, can make a nobleman a serf, a slave in a single 
hour. Such tkings have been ! ” 

I asked her the meaning of favorite. She seemed 
confused and answered hesitatingly, that it was a high 
office at court. She always speaks’ill of Russia, and daily 
assures me she would have returned to sa belle patrie 
long ago, if she had not loved me so dearly. 

“ It is for your sake I stay in this horrible, barbarous 
countrys, for your sake, mignonne ! ’’ 

Valerian was silent, I noticed that he was somewhat 
out of humor and tried to coax him back to cheerfulness. 
Ma bonnes words were not without effect, he gradually 
decided to renounce all plans for a journey and take me 
at once to Malinovka. It cost me a slight effort to yield 
without remonstrance — I scarcely know how the world 
looks outside of our village — but it was his wish.’’ 

To-morrow, at this hour he will be here! I shall 
hang on his arm, he will call me his jewel, his flower, his 
fairy, his pet, and I shall do nothing but look at him, to 
impress his beloved face still more closely on my heart. 
In the evening, before the lamps are lighted, I usually 
sit at ma bonnets feet and talk of him. If she is in a good 
humor, she teases me saying I surely cannot remember 
the color of his hair, for I used to have a very bad memory 


THE LONEL Y MANOR. 


29 


for lesson. Isn’t it malicious to say such things ? I know 
very well that he has fair waving locks, each one of which 
I have wound around my fingers, his eyes are blue as 
corn flowers, he is so tall that I can just rest my head on 
his shoulder comfortably, his face has a mild noble ex- 
pression, and his voice sounds soft and sweet as music, I 
can never weary of hearing it. 

His father died when he was still and in the cradle, 
his mother educated him ; even ma bonne confesses, that 
though a Russian, she was an excellent, highly educated 
lady. She was my mother’s best friend, and when a little 
child I often spent weeks with her in Malinovka. When 
I grew older, ma bonne no longer allowed these visits, 
she said it was not proper. Not proper ! That word 
has became very familiar to me, for she repeats it on 
every occasion. While Valerian was completing his ed- 
ucation by traveling in foreign countries, I spent some 
time with his mother. She was beginning to lose her 
health, and I was obliged to write to her son in her name 
to hasten his return. He reached home in time to find, 
her alive and nurse her. Her death moved him deeply, 
for he has an affectionate heart and felt very lonely, as 
he has no relatives, he often came to our house to talk 
with me about his dead mother — well, the rest can be 
easily imagined. 

At first I was afraid papa would refuse his consent 
unfortunately he does’nt like Valerian, because the latter 
is not fond of drinking he never touches brandy — or 


30 


IRENE, OR 


playing cards, and is entirely different from the other 
land owners. “ A milk face ! ” he often calls him, and un- 
pleasant scenes might arise, if they met frequently. But 
papa is generally away from home, sometimes at the 
neighbors, sometimes in Moscow, so they rarely see each 
other and maintain a tolerable degree of friendship in their 
relations. Lately they have been on still better terms ; 
papa has lost large sums in gambling and found himself 
embarrassed for money, which troubled him the more, as 
he wished to obtain the office of a marechal de noblesse. 
Valerian heard of it and offered him a few thousand rou- 
bles, which were gratefully accepted. Ma bonne, it is true, 
looked thoughtful and said : this gulf had already swal- 
lowed up one fortune and nothing was ever said of any 
restoration ; it would have been wiser not to put the idea 
of borrowing money from his son-in-law into Stepan Petro- 
vitsch’s head, he would fleece him and finally get into a 
rage if refused, etc. My friend listened with a smile, for he 
was just then occupied in measuring the length of my hair ; 
when I bend my head back, it almost touches the floor. 
Valerian says no gold broidered manteau de corde can 
compare wdth this dark, silken soft cloak bestowed upon 
me by Nature. Ma bonne grew angry at this childish- 
ness, and sent me out of the room, that Mascha might 
braid it smoothly. 


TH£ ONEL y MANOR. 


81 


. September 29 th. 1790 

I must give an account of my birthday. Early in 
the morning, while I was still in bed, ma bonne came 
gently into my room to congratulate me. She was very 
much agitated, and when I sat up and threw both arms 
around her, burst into violent sobs. 

My dearest child,’’ she said, “ I promised your poor 
mother, who was a saint on earth, to protect you with my 
heart’s blood and let no power separate me from you — 
I have taught you all I know myself — I wish it had been 
more, but you have become a lady and far outstripped 
your poor governess. Yet I shall not think my task per' 
formed, until I see you stand before the altar with Ya- 
lerian. I will speak to your father as soon as possible, 
that your wedding day may at last be named.” 

“ Oh ! pray do, dear mother, ” I exclaimed with spark- 
ling eyes, you don’t know how I long for that day.” 

Ma bonne s face instantly assumed a stern expression, 
and in spite of her emotion she gave me a severe lecture 
which ended with the words, that a well trained young 
girl would not even think, far less speak, of such things 
— I should like to know why not. Then she gave me a 
pair of netted mitts, as fine as cobweb, which she had 
made for me herself. I drew them on to try them, they 


IRENE, OR 


fitted exquisitely and my arms gleamed like snow through 
the black meshes. 

Mascha came to dress me and as it was my birthday, 
ma bonne let me put on a thin white robe trimmed with 
lace and knots of light blue ribbon a gift from Valerian’s 
mother. I thought I looked very well, and Mascha 
clapped her hands with delight. The maid servants and 
peasant women came to kiss the hem of my dress ; most 
of them were clad in dirty rags, unwashed and uncombed. 
One was better dressed, she even had a silk handkerchief 
over her head and a heavy garnet necklace round her 
throat, a strong healthy girl, with fat red cheeks ; she 
lives alone in a hut somewhat away from the village, 
though she is still unmarried and has parents. I can’t 
endure her, because she stares at people so boldly. Oii’ 
such a day, however, we must harbor no unkind feelings 
in our hearts, so I tried to answer her greeting pleasantly, ‘ 
when witl] her disagreeable smile she pressed forward 
and offered me a pirogg * she had baked herself. It 
looked very tempting, had a golden yellow crust, and 
smelt of fresh mushrooms. The gift was certainly well 
meant, and I had no reason to dislike the girl, so I held^ 
out my hand to receive it — when ma bonrie rushed for- 
ward, her eyes flashing angrily, hastily pushed the girl . 
back and throwing the dish on the floor, exclaimed in a 
voice trembling with indignation : 

‘‘ How dare you come near the young lady, you good 




^Nussiaa Dish. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


38 


for nothing creature ? You get more and more impudent 
every day, but wait, your rule will soon be over, and 
neither your silk handkerchief nor your garnet necklace 
will «ave you from being well beaten and driven out to 
work in the fields. One like you should remain outside, 
the sight of you is an insult to your young mistress.’’ 

The- girl cast down her eyes in confusion and her red 
cheeks grew even redder than usual, the women nudged 
each other and gazed scornfully at her. When she per- 
ceived this, she tossed her head proudly, looked boldly 
around the room, and, as she walked towards the door 
muttered that she would complain to the master, she 
needn’t submit to anything, the master would be on her 
side. 

Ma bonne trembled so violently with agitation, that 
she was obliged to sit down. I could not understand 
her indignation, gently stroked her cheeks, and begged 
her to calm herself. She pressed me to her heart and said : 

‘‘You dear innocent child, I trust you will soon leave 
this house forever. My strength is no longer sufficient 
I to guard you from every breath of impurity. The 

I wretched creature ! ” 

! 

; She was really angry, her nose seemed actually to 
i peck at her enemy and she hissed the words through her 
I clenched teeth, her complexion became a yellowish 
; brown, which is always the ca^e when her bile is excited.^ 
Valerian’s arrival dispelled this ill humor. Ah! how I 

screamed with delight, when his troika turned into the 

3 


84 


IRENE, OR 


courtyard. The road was in a horrible condition, for it 
had rained hard the day before, one wheel of the carriage 
had broken off and been fastened on with ropes. I wept 
and laughed out of pure joy, he looked so handsome in 
his coat of sable fur. We had been separated a whole 
week, for he came straight from Moscow. I ran out to 
receive his first greeting, he caught me in his arms and 
clasping me in a passionate embrace covered my face with 
kisses, then pushed me a little back, and gazing at me 
with an expression of delight, exclaimed : 

“ Irene dearest, you have grown more beautiful than 
ever, and I am the luckiest fellow in the world ! 

With these words he clasped me in his arms and 
laughing joyfully lifted me from the ground, as if he 
would like to carry me away. 

Ma 'bonne had not yet recovered her good humor, for 
she said angrily ; 

Cease such jests. Monsieur V'aUrien^ un jeune 
homme comme ilfau% doesn’t take such liberties with a 
lady.’' 

He flushed crimson and placing me on my feet, laid 
my hand on his arm, and led me ceremoniously into the 
house. Meantime his servant had taken some carefully 
packed object from under the seat of the carriage 
brought it in and placed it on the table. 

It could be nothing but a present for me, and I was 
in the greatest suspense. Valerian enjoyed my ill con- 
cealed curiosity, and slowly removed one wrapping after 


V 


THE LONELY MAHOE, 


85 


another. A wonderful object appeared ! Ajewel case 
made of ebony inlaid with mosaic, and resting on golden 
lion’s claws, while a painting on ivory was set in the lid. 
And what a painting. A real master piece ! I know a 
little about such things for ma bonne has taught me to 
use water-colors and crayons, she was very fond of draw- 
ing and painting in her young days. The subject was a 
touching and poetical one. A white rosebud, just tinged 
with pink, bent on its slender stalk above a broken 
column, as if bewailing the transitoriness of all earthly 
things ; the background was dark, the outlines of other 
trees and flowers only suggested, but the white rose il- 
lumined by the moonlight, seemed to^live and breathe. 

“ Dieu / ” exclaimed ma bonne^ “ comme c^est triste^ 
Monsieur Yalerien! How could you select for your 
betrothed bride a picture^that reminds one of a sepulchre ? 

Why do you make such a comparison?” he replied. 
“ I have a very different interpretation. The white rose 
is the emblem of Irene, she is equally beautiful, pure and 
full of fragrance and poesy. Am I not right ? ” 

He smiled and I, I covered my eyes with my hands 
and wept — I was too happy. 

He handed me a tiny gold key, I turned it in the 
lock — a gleaming necklace of pearls rested on the dark 
red velvet. 

Your bridal jewels ! ” he whispered tenderly. 

It was far too beautiful and costly I told him, but he 
vould not listen. 


86 


IRENE, OR 


“ Pearls ! murmured ma honne^ tears ! perhaps enough 
may yet flow.*’ 

She shook her head anxiously and her kind old face, 
which I love so dearly, wore a troubled expression. 
Yet it was a happy day. Papa returned from a visit in 
the neighborhood and brought me a diamond ring, which 
ma bonne declared he had probably won at the gaming 
table, as it was no longer new, and I should not wear it. 
This however, would have offended papa, and as he was 
in a good humor. Valerian thought we ought not to vex 
him. He himself wrapped a silk thread several times 
around my finger, that the ring, which was much too 
large for me, might not slip off. After dinner the two 
gentlemen played billiards. Papa, who has had a billiard 
table several years — it was sent from St. Petersburg, 
is a very skillful player, while Valerian has had little 
practice. The former therefore won the game, which 
seemed to afford him pleasure. Ma bonne, who looked 
on with me, muttered something about robbery. Papa 
has very quick ears, he caught the word and asked her 
what she meant. 

“ Exactly what I said.” she answered boldly, it is not 
honorable to take advantage of the ignorance of your 
guest and future son-in-law, to get money from him.” 

He angrily threw down the cue and striking his 
clenched hand on the billiard table, exclaimed ; he should 
be very glad when the old Frenchwoman left a house, in 
which according to her opinion, honorable dealings were 


THE LONEL Y MANOR. 


87 


not practiced ; she might return to Paris, where the 
canaille now taught lessons to the nobility. 

She laid aside her spectacles and fixing her grey eyes 
steadily upon him, answered quietly. 

“ Your coarse speeches will not drive me away, any 
more than your failure to pay me -my salary. You know 
I promised your dead wife — an angel, if there ever was 
one on earth — to remain with Irene, remain with her 
under all circumstances — As for those whom you choose to 
call “ canaille^^^ I can only reply, that your Russian 
aristocrats are delighted to get our cooks and barbers to 
educate and polish their children/’ 

It was a very painful scene. Papa looked as if he 
would like to strangle ma bonne^hwt her firmness involun- 
tarily awed him, he laughed and turning on his heel left 
the room, banging the door behind him. 

Valerian gently represented to my second mother, 
that she gained nothing in this way, except unpleasant 
scenes, but she answered somewhat sharply : 

“ You don’t understand, Monsieur, you have no 
knowledge of human nature. The more forbearing and 
submissive you are to Stepan Petrovitsch, the less re- 
straint he will impose upon himself, until at last he’ll 
show you every indignity, because he thinks you a cow- 
ard. If you wish to live peaceably with him and have his 
respect, you must adopt the same rude tone. To be 
sure, everybody can’t manage it, I too was obliged to 
learn.” 


88 


IRENE, OR 


So the day ended in general ill humor. 


October 1st 1790. 

Although it is late in the autumn, tlie weather is still 
beautiful and we can remain out of doors in the after* 
noon till the sun sets — I have been reflecting on my lot> 
and do not long for the pleasures and entertainments of 
the gay world, it must be tiresome to go from one party 
to another, and with my fear of strangers, I should feel 
very desolate in a crowd. Ma bonne too says I am not 
strong enough to endure the fatiguing life of a great city. 
“Your mother shed many tears before your birth,” she 
‘said to me one day, “ that is why you are such a delicate 
little creature, who requires affectionate care and con- 
sideration to thrive.” 

Why, I think my health is excellent; I can’t be ac» 
cused of timidity either, on horseback I am even reckless 
and hold the reins firmly, in spite of my small hands— 
only I'm easily frightened when people are angry, then 
I seem perfectly helpless, as if I were the spoil of inex- 
orable powers. 

I like country life, perhaps because I know no other^ 
Our garden has become a wilderness, since Papa dis- 
missed the gardener and no longer troubled himself about 
keeping in order the grounds my mamma laid out. The 
little temples summer-houses and bridges, made of white 
birch bark have fallen into ruin, when the cook has no 
wood at hand, he gets a column, a bench, or a piece of 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


89 


the balustrade, and makes a fire with it. The raspberry 
and currant bushes, on the contrary, have grown into an 
impenetrable thicket, and I have never seen such huge 
sun-flowers as bloom on our land. Valerian and I often 
undertake journeys of discovery, which lead us a long 
distance, for the park is not enclosed but runs into the 
forest ; the booty we bring back isn’t valuable ; birdnests, 
mushrooms, hazel-nuts, and usually a torn dress, about 
which ma bonne is very angry, because she has to mend 
it. But she soon recovers her good humor, especially 
when I remind her that Paul and Virginia also wander- 
ed through the depths of a primeval forest, and their 
mother’s did not scold them for it. She is delighted 
with Bernadin de St. Pierres story, we read it together, 
and I know not which wept most bitterly. It is im- 
possible to describe love in terms more delicate and 
touching, I must confess that, compared with this won- 
derful romance, Numa Pompilius and William Tell 
made very little impression upon me, I of course im- 
agine Paul a second Valerian, he is just as noble and 
generous, the only difference is that he has blue eyes, in 
every other respect he resembles him exactly. I should 
die if I were parted from him — but who could be so 
cruel? Fortunately I have no aristocratic old aunt, who 
might wish to force a brilliant fate upon me. 

9ctober 7th. 1790. 

Ma bonne has held her^head much higher for several 


40 


IRENE, OR 


days. Valerian, who always endeavors to prove his re- 
gard for her by various little attentions, brought from 
Mascow a package of French newspapers, which he ob- 
tained from an acquaintance. Mapatrie ! ” she cried, 
her eyes sparkled with almost youthful fire, and she 
kissed the crushed, worn sheets. With her spectacles 
on her nose, she speedily became absorbed in reading 
them and forget everything around her. Late that 
evening she came into my room, her thin wrinkled face 
wore an expression of solemnity, she seemed to have 
grown taller, so triumphantly erect was her bearing. 
Seating herself on the edge of my bed, she told me of 
the wonderful events which were occurring in Paris. 

“ It is sublime ! ” she exclaimed enthusiastically, 
‘Hhe work, injustice and despotism have spent a thou- 
sand years in accomplishing, has been overthrown in a 
single night. Impress the date upon your mind, my 
child, in after years m«n will reverently remember, that 
on the 19th. of June 1790, was uttered the decree, that all 
men should be equal on earth as they are in the sight of 
their Father in Heaven. Dukes, marquises, and counts 
have ceased to exist, there will be only nobility of nature 
and princes of intellect. “ Oh ! my child, I a poor in- 
significant governess, who has grown grey while eating 
the bitter bread of servitude in a foreign land, suddenly 
felt ennobled and strengthened ! I no longer need bow 
before blatant stupidfty adorned with a title, for my 
human dignity is recognized by the law. Mirabeau, 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


41 


who was born to inherit a count’s coronet, eloquently 
protested against the privileges of the nobility, and I 
should like to embrace him for it. True, they say he is 
an unprincipled man — but who can condemn one, who 
battles so boldly for the oppressed, poor, and miserable. 
The punishment of his sins falls on himself alone, while 
the fruits of his noble efforts will be reaped by all hu- 
manity. I am glad to live to see the dawn of a new 
day.” 

Although I could not share her joy, I perfectly under- 
stood it. The few letters she received from home had 
informed her of the convocation of the etats generaux 
the assemhlee nationale,, and newspapers, which she ob- 
tained here and there, filled up the gaps in the informa- 
tion ; in spite of her years she was too impulsive to be 
able to keep matters that interested her, shut up in her 
own breast, so she had often spoken to me of these events, 
and tried to arouse my sympathy. But France was so 
far away, I should probably never go there, the fate of 
the country was really a matter of indifference to me, and 
I only listened attentively to please ma bonne, 

‘‘A new day?” I asked, repeating her last words, 
“with us in Russia too ? Then I shall no longer be a 
lady of noble birth, but the equal of peasants and ple- 
bians’ wives ? I shan’t like that.” 

“ En Russie^'^ she replied in a very different tone, “ a 
century must yet elapse ere reaching the point where 
France stands to-day. In this pitiable country, even the 


42 


IRENE, OR 


nobility possess scarcely a smattering of culture, and a 
very slight smattering it is, you may suppose. I’m not 
speaking of Valerian,” she added, “he is an intelligent, 
well educated young man, a brilliant exception, who 
arouses the wonder of his equals in rank. The people, 
however, unfortunately stand on the lowest step of all, 
they lack even the first rudiments of culture.” 

“ But even if the serfs were set free, what would be- 
come of them? You know very well, that they will only 
work under the eye of an overseer, and when left to 
themselves become idle and dissolute. Are you not 
always complaining about the carelessness of the people, 
who must be forced to do their duty like children ? ” 

“ And yet they have their virtues too, though it is 
true they are those of slaves, they are patient, good-na- 
tured, faithful, these germs would develop still more, if 
their human nature was respected. You avoid passing 
through the village, because the huts are so wretched and 
dirty — have you never thought of the cause of this 
misery ? 

I gazed at her in astonishment — no, why should I ? I 
had only pitied the poor people, who could not be helped. 

“ They do not know the pleasure of possessing any- 
thing,” continued ma bonne eagerly, “they are aware 
that the huts they occupy, the fields they till, do not be- 
long to them. Why should they take the trouble to keep 
their homes neat and orderly, to labor industriously in 
the fields, when their master has a right to drive them 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


43 


from this so-called possession, sell them, and send them 
far away where they must commence anew ? And still 
more — do you remember the fair-haired Lukeria, whom 
your father would not allow to marry the man she loved ? 
She was to become the wife of Ivan the coachman, who 
didn’t even care for Aer, because he liked another.” 

“And she went to the river and drowned herself,” I 
said shuddering. I had chanced to be near the spot, when 
the women, wailing piteously, drew out the lifeless body 
— I had never seen a corpse — the sj^ectacle was a horrible 
one. The blue lips, the staring eyes — I had fled from the 
terrible sight in horror. 

“Papa is a very strict master,” I said softly, “Va- 
lerian would never do so.” 

“ Of course he will never be so cruel, I am sure of 
that. But is it not sad to depend upon the good or bad 
disposition of an individual ? Suppose some more power- 
ful person should come and seek to tear you from the 
man you love? ” 

“ That can never be ! ” I exclaimed starting up in 
bed, “ my birth is noble, no one has any power over me 
except my father.” > 

“ Yes, with you the nobility alone possess the rights, 
which belong to every human being,” she answered 
gravely, “ and even these rights are of little value in a 
half barbarous country.” 

“ I can’t help it,” I ani^wered in an undertone, as ma 
bonne looked at me reproachfully, 


44 


IRENE, OR 


“ Of course not, my pet, but I want you to keep a 
tender heart for the sufferings of your fellow creatures, 
and not live thoughtlessly on, without remembering that 
there is sorrow around us.” 

‘‘ Y es, yes, I will certainly be a kind, indulgent mis- 
tress,”'! assured her, already half asleep. 


ONE DAY LATER. 

This afternoon I took a long ride with Valerian, and, 
that I might not be obliged to leave him so soon, allowed 
myself to be persuaded to accompany him a long distance 
on the way home ; but as after sunset darkness rapidly 
closed in, for in our neighborhood there is rarely any twi- 
light, he wouldn’t allow me to ride back alone. There 
was a discussion, which ended in his turning back with 
me and not leaving my side, until we reached the first 
huts in the village. 

What a lovely evening it was ! The sky bright with 
stars and the air soft and still. Valerian pressed his horse 
close to mine, his hand rested on my saddle, his hair 
brushed my cheek. The forest path, which was so narrow 
that I was obliged to hold up the skirt of my habit, lest 
I should be left hanging on some branch, was covered 
with a thick carpet of moss ; we did not hear the sound 
of our horses’ hoofs, it was so still and mysterious under 


THE LONELY MANOR 


45 


the dark trees, that we talked in whispers. Once I fan- 
cied I saw two lights gleaming through the bushes, and 
uttered a low cry. 

‘‘ What is it, my darling ? ’’ asked Valerian in terror, 
throwing his arm around me. 

“ A wolf ! ” I answered trembling, pointing to where 
the spots had vanished. 

He laughed at me, these savage guests were not to be 
feared, nothing was heard of them far or near, they only 
ventured from their hiding places into the vicinity of hu- 
man habitations in the midst of winter. Perhaps what 
I had seen was only a will o’ the wisp, or some decaying 
log. He may have been right, but I noticed how my 
horse’s nostrils dilated and how violently he lashed his 
tail around — tokens that all was not right. 

Outside the village we had taken a somewhat long 
farewell — people usually have most to say to each other 
at the last moment — during which it had grown late ; I 
knew what awaited me on my arrival ; stern reproofs ! 
I would try to slip into my room secretly, that I might 
not fall into ma bonnets hands at once, my conscience was 
not at ease, I had remained away too dong and she had 
undoubtedly been anxious about me. As I glided through 
the ante-room, I heard papa’s voice in the dining hall 
uttering my name in a tone of anger. He had been ab- 
sent several days, and as usual fixed no time for his re- 
turn — now he was here again, my heart throbbed anxi- 
ously, I did not venture to appear before him at that mo- 


46 


IRENE, OR 


ment. Holding my breath, I pressed into a corner and 
thus became an involuntary listener, as the conversation 
was carried on in very loud tones, and the door only 
ajar. Papa seemed to be having an interview with 
ma honne^ which as usual, threatened to result in a 
quarrel. 

“ What is it about Irene ? ” he repeated impatiently. 

‘‘Nothing unusual,’’ she answered sharply, “at least 
other fathers don’t think it strange, when they are re- 
quested to remember that they have daughters.” 

“Unfortunately I can’t forget it, a thousand inconve- 
niences prevent that. Why must the child have been a 
girl ? I should have greatly preferred a boy, he would 
have needed far less consideration.” 

“ It’s new to me, that you show any consideration,” 
she answered sarcastically, “ perhaps one proof of it is 
the conduct of that creature, Prascovia, who dared to 
show her bold face in the house on Irene’s birth-day. I 
swear to you, that if it ever happens again. I’ll drive her 
out of the house with a whip myself, if she is ten times 
your — ” 

I could not understand what followed, for ma bonne 
spoke through her closed teeth, but I could imagine how 
she had clenched her hands, while her eyes flashed fire. 

“ Silence ! ” cried papa furiously, “ or — ” 

“ Or what ? ” she asked scornfully, “ with what will 
you threaten me ? ” I’m not your serf, whom you can 
order to be lashed to death at your pleasure, and besides 


THE LONEL Y MANOR, 


47 


f I am not wholly defenceless dans ce pays execrable. You 
! know, that at any moment I can apply for aid to the 
French Consul at Moscow — ’’ 

“Such an old Frenchman is really possessed by 
Satan,” he muttered, grinding his teeth, “why do you 
stop me ? Get out of my sight, IVe no inclination to 
listen to your chatter any longer.” 

You are in a bad humor, because you have again met 
with heavy losses at the gaming table. But whether good 
or bad it’s all the same to me, what I have to settle with 
you will permit no delay — Irene — ” 

“ Irene again ! Where is she, why doesn’t she come 
to welcome me ? You have brought her up so admirably, 
that she shows no respect for her father.” 

“ I don’t know where she is at this moment, she dis- 
appeared with Valerian Maxinitsch and must be pun- 
ished for it by a severe reproof.” 

“ Oh ! dear, it was as I supposed, I had a long lecture 
before me. “However,” continued ma bonne^ “the 
child is far too innocent to suspect that she has done 
anything wrong — this perpetual wandering about on the 
part of the young people must cease. I’m too old to 
follow them everywhere, and unfortunately there is no- 
body to take my place. Monsieur Valerian is an honor- 
able young man, it is true — but how can one trust a 
passionate, eager heart of two and twenty? It is the 
office of parents and guardians to avert the danger of 
temptation.” 


48 


IRE NEy OR 


Oho, the milk face ; langhed papa contempt- 
uously, he’s much too virtuous and timid.” 

“Virtue doesn’t always hold out in the presence of 
beauty like Irene’s ” 

“ You are ridiculously infatuated with her, her beauty 
is not remarkable. Her figure is fragile, and there is 
scarcely a tinge of color in her cheeks. She would be 
entirely unnoticed in St. Petersburg and Moscow.” 

“ I think otherwise,” she answered drily, “ I hope she 
will never go there — it would not be for her happiness.” 
I blushed in my dark corner at hearing myself thus dis- 
cussed, I instinctively felt that these words had a mean- 
ing, that escaped me. If I had only not been obliged to 
pass the dining room to reach my own chamber, which 
was on the second story. 

“ In a word, I think it will be best for the young peo- 
pie to marry soon,” said ma honne^ “ why should they 
wait? True, they are still almost children^ but I shall go 
with them to advise and help them. Then Valerian 
Maxinitsch will no longer be obliged to spend his time on 
the highway, as he now does, greatly to the injury of his 
horse. Winter is close at hand, the roads will soon be 
impassable, and he can’t go from one estate to the other.” 

“ Who asks him to come every day ? ” 

“ It is natural for him to wish to see his betrothed 
bride, and Irene would droop if she were separated from 
him for any length of time. When he spent a week in 
Moscow a short time ago, I really felt anxious about her, 


THE LONELY MANOR 


she neither ate nor slept, and grew paler and paler — it’s 
time to put an end to this state of affairs. Let the mar- 
riage take place at the end of this month.” 

“ What an idea ! That would be in three weeks, no ! 
I won’t ever talk of such a thing.” 

‘‘And why not?” she asked sharply, “you are not so 
affectionate a father, that the thought of parting from 
your child causes you any trouble.” 

“ I won’t consent to it, that’s enough.” 

“ You must be able to give a reason.” 

“ I have many reasons, but I don’t choose to tell you 
of them.” 

I wanted to cry ! I had so confidently hoped that 
papa would at last be induced to give his consent, and 
now he refused again ! Ma bonne was not so easily dis- 
couraged. 

“Shall I tell you why you wont consent?” she be- 
gan. “ The difficulty lies in the little fortune Irene’s 
mother brought you at her marriage, and which you 
would be obliged to pay your son-in-law as a dowery.' 
Of course you squandered every speck long ago, you 
have gambled away your daughter’s property, as well as 
the larger portion of your own. But you have no right 
to make Irene wretched, as well as rob her. Monsieur 
Valerian has been informed that his bride would bring 
him no dowry, and was noble enough to declare that this 
would not have the slightest influence upon his love, rich 
or poor, Irene would be the most precious treasure. 


50 


IRENE, OR 


My dear, dear Valerian ! Each day I discover some 
new trait of character, which increases my loving admi- 
ration. 

Papa seemed embarrassed, ma bonne understood how 
to extort his respect. 

“ Nonsense,’’ he muttered angrily, “ who told you this 
absurd story? I have^ it is true withdrawn Irene’s prop- 
erty from the place where it was invested, but only to ob- 
tain a higher rate of interest — ” 

‘‘ Save yourself the trouble of telling me any lies, 
Monsieur, no one asks you about the money,” though it’s 
a most shameful jDiece of injustice — But as this difficulty 
is removed, you will probably consent to defer the wed- 
ding no longer than the time appointed, the last of Octo- 
ber. Stop, the 26th. will be Valerian’s birthday, that is a 
charming coincidence, you will be able to delight him 
with a gift, that to him is the most priceless thing on 
earth, while it costs you absolutely nothing — for you have 
never cared for Irene.” 

' She has the tongue of a viper,” growled papa yawn- 
ing aloud. He was very tired, or ma bonne would have 
had a harder battle to fight. When he comes home from 
his excursions or a residence in Moscow, he does nothing 
but eat and sleep. I cannot remember, ever having ex- 
changed a dozen words with him, I kiss his hand and bid 
him good morning and good night, that is the extent of 
my intercourse with him. I uttered a sigh of relief when 
both went away ; I heard ma bonne walk down the pas- 


TEE LONELY MANOR. 


51 


sage with the bunch of keys jingling at her belt, she was 
going to the store room to give out the provisions for sup- 
per. I glided out of my hiding place and ran to my 
chamber, whose door I bolted behind me. To slip off my 
riding habit and put on a gingham house dress was the 
work of a minute, and I was sitting at the work table 
with downcast eyes, holding a piece of embroidery in my 
hand, when ma bonne entered. She said nothing, only 
gazed at me with a steady, reproachful glance. My pre- 
tended unconsciousness was at an end, I dropped the 
work and covering my face with my apron burst into 
tears. This relieved my heart, which was oppressed with 
a double burden, my disobedience and the knowledge 
that, though unintentionally, I had listened to the con- 
versation. 

How gladly I would have made a frank confession, 
but some vague feeling that it would be painful for her 
to learn that I had heard things not intended for my 
ears, restrained me. 

She reserved her reproof, till I was calm, then they 
came all the more abundantly. Among other things she 
said Valerian would lose his respect for me, if I did not 
know how to maintain my own dignity — I shook my 
head. I really don^t know how to behave with dignity — 
and what has his respect to do with an evening ride ? 


OCTOBEB. 15th. 

I no longer walk, I dance for joy. Papa has not re- 


62 


IRENE, OR 


tracted his promise, it is settled, positively settled, that I 
am to be married on Valerian’s birthday. At first I was 
doubtful and wouldn’t believe it, but the preparations 
now being made convinced me. Valerian and I fairly 
suffocated ma bonne with kisses and caresses, when she 
told us of the consent. In the excitement her spectacles 
were broken, which made her very angry. She was so 
comical in her indignation ! Our caresses had pushed 
her cap awry, and one of the false braids she wears on 
each side of her face was pulled down and dangled like a 
rat’s tail — how we laughed ! The house is full of bustle, 
two dressmakers will come from Moscow to prepare my 
toilettes, none of our seamstresses are skilful enough to 
be trusted with my wedding dress — ! My wedding dress. 
How pleasantly that sounds! For the first time I shall 
hear the rustle of satin, I have never even worn silk ; 
it must be delightful to draw a long glittering train after 
one. I shall wear the pearl necklace Valerian gave me, 
and a delicate lace veil, transparent as a cloud, will con- 
ceal my whole figure. Mamma had it, and ma bonne is 
very unwilling to have me wear it on that day — she sees 
bad omens everywhere, and is terribly superstitious, 
though she neither prays to the Mother of God nor the 
saints — ^but I am to have my way. Such a costly veil, no 
princess need be ashamed of it. It would be foolish to 
let it grow yellow in the trunk. 

A marriage is the most important event in a human 
life ! Even papa seems to be anxious to have nothing 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


53 


wanting on this occasion, he has invited a number of 
people, both from the neighboring estates and Moscow. 
Whole wagon loads of wines, and dainties are ordered, 
ma honn^^ it is true, grumbles : who is to pay for all this, 
but I find it very pleasant that people should try to mak® 
my marriage day a festal one. 

Since I have known I shall soon be Valerian’s wife, I 
am not so shy, a short time ago I threw my arms around 
papa’s neck and thanked him for his kindness. He was 
actually amazed and raising my face, said : 

“ Why, little one, you are really getting red cheeks 
and bright eyes, you have become a pretty little witch.” 
Yesterday he came into the room with a letter in his 
hand, looking more excited and pleased, than I have 
ever seen him. 

‘‘ Irinuschka,” he said, “ you can’t guess what a dis- 
tinction is in store for you.” 

“ I was curious to learn what it could be. 

“ His excellency. Count W. will do us the honor to 
attend your wedding.” 

‘‘ Oh ! will he ? ” I answered, surprised, and confused, 
the presence of such a distinguished man could only 
embarrass me. 

Ma bonnets face wore a peculiar expression, she was 
not particularly edified by the honor. 

‘‘ What brings ^^mhere ?” she asked, with a tolerably 
strong emphasis on the Mm “ as far as I know, he has 
never crossed your threshold.” 


64 


IRENE, OR 


Papa drew himself up proudly. There is nothing 
strange about the matter. Be kind enough not to forget, 
that when a young man, I served in the Guard, and rose 
to the rank of captain. But for that, I could not have 
been made marechal de noblesse^ as in our country as you 
are aware, not noble birth, but military rank renders a 
man eligible to a post of honor.’’ 

“ Yes, yes,” she replied, I’ve heard of it, here too 
you have taken pattern from the Chinese.” 

He continued : 

‘‘ I was a colonel in the same regiment in which Count 
W. served as a lieutenant — he rose very rapidly — ” 

Of course,” muttered ma honne^ “ he resembled a 
Hercules, and that pleased the noble sovereign— 
horreur 1 ” 

She took a pinch of snuff from the box and sneezed 
violently. 

“ He rose very rapidly,” papa repeated, “ was loaded 
with wealth and orders, and as I soon sent in my resig- 
nations, our intercouse ceased. Last year the count 
bought a large estate with a thousand serfs in our district, 
the intendant is my friend, and through him I learned 
that His Excellency intended to come and inspect his 
new purchase this month. It is directly in his way, 
as he is obliged to pass through Moscow on his return 
from Taurus, where he has been fighting against the 
Turks.” 

‘‘ Against the unbelievers ! ” I said shuddering. The 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


66 


horrors perpetrated at the storming of Otschkoo are still 
fresh in every mind.’’ 

“Yes indeed, he hacked the beasts to pieces at Fokr- 
chan, the victory is attributed to his heroic courage.” 

I felt a horror of tlds blood stained wedding guest. 

“ I took the liberty of sending through the intendant, 
an invitation to his Excellency, which he graciously 
accepted. Rejoice, Irinia, he’ll eertainly bring you some 
magnificent present, perhaps a piece of jewelry, there is 
said to have been rare booty in the Turkish camp.” 

I did not rejoice, and ma bonne also seemed secretly 
anxious, although she said no more about the distin- 
guished guest. I could not shake off the thought of him 
and looked forward to his arrival with mingled dread 
and expectation. His warlike deeds are praised, he is 
said to be a great hero! The word calls up images of 
bloody cruelties — I imagine him on horseback, waving 
his sword, rushing over a field strewn with corpses, the 
heads of the enemies he has slain hanging as terrible 
trophies at his saddle bow — I have probably seen some 
wood cut of this character, which has made a deep im- 
pression on my imagination. 

So such deeds excited the admiration of mankind — 
were they not unworthy of a Christian ! 

Hitherto, no doubt of the justice of the arrangement 
of worldly affairs had ever arisen in my mind ; when ma 
bonne spoke bitterly of the inequality of position, the 
unjust division of property, I had often endeavored to 


66 


IRENE, OR 


argue against her views. Of course these attempts 
were a pitiable failure. I told her I thought every 
one must have his appointed sphere, as there were large 
and insignificant trees, so there must be higher and 
lower classes among men. Each must remain in the 
position where God placed him — Our serfs are often ill 
treated, when they have bad masters, but really hard 
hearted masters are the exception. If these in experi- 
enced, childish people were left to themselves, they 
would feel more unhappy than under the strictest rule. 

To me the world appeared admirably arranged and 
governed, to wish to improve and overturn it I thought 
unjust and wrong. For the first time the imperfect side 
appeared — Why did the Empress make war upon the 
Turk ? To conquer land and increase her power. True, the 
people butchered at Otschakoo were heathen, but were 
they not creatures whom God had made, and if He suff- 
ered them to remain on earth had men a right to destroy 
them with fire and sword? Why did God allow these 
terrible things to happen? Now I had reached a point 
beyond which I could not pass. Ma bonne had no satis- 
factory answer to give me, she is very skeptical in every- 
thing relating to religion, never accompanies me to mass, 
and during Lent is always trying to persuade me to eat 
meat — I am convinced, that in her heart she mocks at 
our holy rites. She often says : if she were le bon Dieu^ 
she would shut her eves and ears, that she might neither 
see or hear what nappenea on tins miserable earth — “ and 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


67 


He does so too,” she usually added, ‘‘He dosn’t trouble 
Himself about us, so each must take care of himself.’’ 

I am sorry she has so little piety, and it grieves me 
that I cannot unite with her in prayer. I often think — 
but it is a terrible thought, which I scarcely dare confess 
— she believes in nothing, she doesn’t even show the least 
reverence for the church and the saints, and yet she is so 
kind and good, her whole life is one chain of self sacrifice. 
True, she doesn’t ask much about heaven, but her deeds 
must be written there in characters of light. 

It occured to me, that the priest might be able to 
give some explanation of this contradiction. I rarely 
visit Father Spiridon in his own house ; his wife the 
popoda, * as ma bonue scornfully calls her, is very good- 
natured, but a careless housekeeper. The house might 
be much neater, their guest room is always filled with a 
penetrating odor of spoiled kwas, which makes it impos- 
sible for me to stay there more than half an hour. A 
headache is the invariable consequence of a visit to these 
worthy people : I conquered my repugnance and went 
there day before yesterday. The little house stands be- 
side the church and as papa won’t repair it, is dilapidated 
and ruinous. Father Spiridon opened the door himself, 
but started back in surprise when he saw me, and hastily 
glided away calling his wife. He had braided his long 
hair in countless little strands, that it might look wavy 
the next day, when he said mass — it was naturally very 

* The priests of the greek church are allowed to marry once — Tr. 


58 


IRENE, OR 


stiff and straight. He was confused, when I surprised 
him in making such preparation, and he disappeared to 
unhraid tliem. 

Anna Mtonovna came in his place and insisted on my 
entering the guest room. She wore a dirty brown calico 
dress, over which she had fastened a woolen shawl and a 
knit cap. I was forced to sit down on the horsehair sofa, 
and she took her place opposite,with her arms wrapped in 
her shawl, and her head bent mournfully aside. 

‘‘ How do you do, Irinia Stepanovna ? ” 

I assured her that the state of my health left nothing 
to be desired. After a pause, which she had filled with 
suppressed sighs, she inquired about my father’s healthy 
and after another pause, repeated the same question in 
relation to ma bonne. I made courteous replies, to which 
she listened with a resigned smile. Then she thought- 
fully rubbed her thick nose, raised her eyes to the cracked 
ceiling, from which the plaster had fallen, and said with 
a significant emphasis : 

Ah ! Irinia Stepanovna, these are terrible times ! ” 
Before I could make any response to this exclamation, 
she continued with amazing volubility : 

“ The serfs daily become worse and worse, it’s shameful 
how they haggle and bargain. The Starosta had a child 
baptized a few weeks ago — ^just think, Irinia Stepanovna^ 
his wife bought a silver chain and silk ribbons at the last 
fair, the master ought not to allow such extravagance. 
So I said to my husband : You know this is the Starosta's 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


59 


first child, we must do him some honor, put on your yel- 
low silk robe — The yellow silk robe, the best we possess, 
for a Mujik in sheepskin ! I thought he would pay a 
respectable sum — what do you suppose he laid on the 
table ? Five silver kopecks, nothing more ! And he is 
the richest man in the village, so you can imagine what 
the others give. Oh ! what a stingy set, they no longer 
have any respect for our holy religion.” 

In her zeal she had gesticulated violently with her 
bare arms, now she again wrapped them in her shawl and 
resumed her former melancholy attitude. 

Father Spiridon’s entrance relieved me from the duty 
of pitying his dear Anna Mtonovna, she left the room, 
saying mournfully, that poor as was the household, she 
would at least take the liberty of offering me a dish of 
cooked fruit. Father Spiridon had red hands< — like most 
23riests — and I always wondered, when I saw him looking 
so cross and commonplace in every day life, how he 
could seem so dignified and majestic at mass. The 
Holy Ghost probably descended upon h^m, ennobling 
and irradiating the earthly husk. 

After welcoming me, he coughed and spit, and then 
sat down on a wooden stool. 

“ You are very condescending, Irinia Stepanovna,” 
he remarked in his deep, hoarse bass voice. Then he 
cleared his throat violently, coughed behind his hand 
and waited for me to continue the conversation. 

I at first felt embarrassed, and as I sat opposite to my 


60 


IRENE, OR 


Spiritual adviser, clearly perceived that he would neve 
give me a satisfactory answer and dispel my doubts. 

“ Why does God allow so much wrong to be done on 
earth? ’’ I asked suddenly, without any introduction. 

Father Spiridon gazed at me with a puzzled look, to 
see if I were in earnest — such a question had probably 
never been addressed to him. He shook his head. 

“ That is hard to say, Barischin,* who can fathom 
divine, wisdom ? It must be for some good purpose, or 
it would not be, we ought not to rack our brains too 
much.” 

He had never done so, I felt sure. No, why should I 
ask him to explain things, which were far beyond his 
mental horizon. But I would make an attempt. 

‘‘ The Holy Scriptures say : ” Thou shall not kill, is not 
war therefore a sin ? 

“ It depends upon circumstances,” replied the priest 
cautiously, “ when the cursed Swedes attacked us, they 
committed an aboninable sin, and were punished bv a 
humiliating defeat, at Poltava there is a high hill com- 
posed solely of their bones.” 

“And is the Turkish war pleasing to God?” 

“ Certainly, certainly ! ” he eagerly exclaimed, “ our 
august Czarina wages it to protect the Christians languish 
ing under the yoke of unbelievers.” 

I looked at him doubtfully. 


* Mistress 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


61 


“ And do the cruelties practised on defenceless women 
and children also come under the head of religion ? 

Father Spiridon hemmed and glanced askance at me 
from under his bushy brows, he evidently feared I was 
laying a snare for him. 

“ You think too much, Irinia Stepan von a, you are a 
I philosopher,” said he I could not help laughing, ma 
bonne reproached me on exactly opposite grounds, she 
called me a weather-cock and tete ecervele, 

“ I know nothing about philosophy, but I should like 
to be able to decide between right and wrong, and think- 
ing you could tell me from the Holy Scriptures, I came 
to you instead of applying to Valerian Maxinitsch. You 
have heard of Field Marshal Count W., who is one of the 
bravest, but also the crudest of our generals, in Otschakov 
he ordered his troops to fire a Mosque, to which hundreds 
of women and children had fled — the unfortunates 
shrieked in vain for mercy, they all perished — Must we 
not abhor such monsters? Would you give him, the 
executioner, the holy communion ? ” 

‘‘ How could I refuse to give such a distinguished 
nobleman the communion,” exclaimed the old man, al- 
most in terror ; “ the Metropolitan himself would scarcely 
venture to do so, let alone a poor insignificant country 
priest.” 

I sighed, the scorn with which ma bonne spoke of the 
world, its prejudices and inconsistencies, was only too 
well founded. There was really a different morality for 


62 


IRENE, Ok 


the aristocratic and powerful. I went away without 
having tasted the cooked fruit prepared by the priest’s 
wife, the spoon was dirty and seemed no cleaner, after 
Anna Mtonovna had breathed upon it and rubbed it with 
the corner of her handkerchief, besides I had no ap- 
petite. 

Ma bonne sat on the high window sill in my 
room busily engaged in sewing. Her work was a fine 
dressing gown intended for me, our seamstresses had 
done the embroidery during the winter under her direc- 
tion. Her eyes are weak, but with spectacles she can see 
the tiniest stitches and no one makes them so regularly. 
She answered my greeting with a friendly nod, but did 
not interrupt her work. I laid aside my wadded cloak 
and white hood, and standing in the middle of the room 
gazed thoughtfully at my old friend. She was really 
very old, I noticed it particularly to-day, and yet she 
gave herself no rest day or night. 

I knelt on the floor at her feet and threw my arms 
around her. 

“ What do you want ? ” she asked, tenderly stroking 
my hair. 

“ When you are in my house — I blushed at the words 
it seemed so strange that I should soon have a house of 
my own — you must n’t work. Valerian and I won’t allow 
it ; I shall then be the mistress who will direct and ar- 
range everything, you shall sit in an arm chair and let 
us take care of you. French newspaj^ers and books shall 


THE LONEL Y MANOR. 


63 


bo sent you from Moscow every month, and your only 
occupation will be to read them/’ 

She wiped her spectacles, which had grown dim. You 
are good children, she said in agitated tone, ‘‘ when you 
are happily married, I shall have nothing more to desire 
on earth. Monsieur Valerien has a tender, loving heart, 
with him you will lead a happy life. I daily thank the 
kind fate that brought him to you, he has inherited the 
noble nature of his mother, who was une femme d' elite. 
Only he ought to be somewhat more manly and indepen- 
dent.” 

Do you think so ? ” I answered in surprise. To me 
my lover seemed the ideal of manly courage and pride. 

I had laid my head in her lap, and now looked up at 
her with an incredulous smile. She gently pinched my 
ear and answered in a jesting tone : 

“You would’nthave him different, little one, I know 
you could’nt love him more under any circumstances, 
even if angels wings suddenly grew from his shoulders.” 

“Certainly,” I eagerly replied, hastily starting up, 
“ I love him unspeakably, just as he is — I’ll tell you some- 
thing,” I whispered nestling close to her side, “ you must 
tell me whether such thoughts are awful — you see God 
might demand any sacrifice of me — ^but if I were robbed 
of Valerian, if I should lose him — I would not bear it — ” 
I started up with flashing eyes — “ I would struggle against 
the whole world, even against Heaven. I feel, that if this 
terrible thing should happen, my faith, my religion would 


64 


IRENE, OR 


be at an end, 1 could not pray to such a cruel pitiless 
God.’^ 

Child, said ma honne^ taking my hands and draw- 
ing me towards her,” do not excite yourself, you are 
trembling and have grown deadly pale. No one will in- 
terfere between you and him, in a week you will be 
united forever. How long has your little head cherished 
such rebellious thoughts ! ” 

‘‘ I scarcely know, you first suggested them by your 
tales of the wonderful changes in Paris, where the great 
majority, weary of sufferings and sacrifices, took the law 
into their own hands — ” 

Le tiers etat, to which I also belong,” she interposed. 

“ At first it did’nt seem right, because I thought only 
of our ignorant, idle population, but now, when I daily 
witness the reverence with which papa speaks of this 
Count W. it has become plain to me, that each person 
has some superior, and my pride would rebel against be- 
ing opj)ressed. We are free nobles, why must we con- 
sider it such an honor to have this count, who reeks of 
human blood, enter our house ? I no longer look for- 
ward with pleasure to our wedding day, because it seems 
as if the presence of this man would cast a shadow over 
our young happiness.” 

‘‘ And Stepan Petrovitsch’s brains have been turned 
topsy turvy, ever since he has had His barbarous Excel- 
lency’s acceptance of the invitation in his pocket. Noth- 
ing is good enough for him, he has tormented me more 


THE LONELY MANOR 


65 


during these few days, than in all the former years I 
nave lived here, and that’s saying a great deal, He would 
willingly lie on his Excellency’s threshold as a foot 
scraper — that’s a type of your pitiable country ; servile to 
superiors, inhuman and brutal to those of lower rank.” 

Ma bonne often uses exaggerated expressions, I think 
it is a peculiarity of the French character. She avoids 
speaking of papa to me, except when she has just had a 
scene with him then she cannot control herself and gives 
free course to her wrath. 

“ His Excellency will stand here and sit there, the 
Count will eat here and drink there — Dieu me benisse ! 
There is nothing more to be said, than His Excellency will 
condecend to yawn here and sneeze there.” 

I laughed, perhaps that was what she intended to 
make me do. 

“ The fact that it is your wedding, which is to be 
solemnized, has been almost forgotten. Poor child, even 
this day will be darkened to you. I shall bless the mo- 
ment, when Monsieur Vcderien lifts you into the carriage 
land drives away Avith you.” 
i “ And you too ? ” I answered quickly. 

Oh ! no,” she replied, “ it would’nt do for me to 
leave the house I have kept for years, in confusion.” 

Everything must first be washed and cleaned and 
returned to its former condition — how its looks after- 
wards is’nt my affair.” 

“ So I am to go to Malinovka alone Avith Valerian?” 


66 


IRENE, OR 


Of course, you will then be his wife and need no other 
protection than your husband^s.’^ 

So this constituted the whole difference. It was in- 
comprehensible to me, how one day, no, a single hour could 
produce such a change. What ma bonne had hitherto 
condemned as improper, would then be perfectly right and 
natural. 

Winter is at hand. When I rose this morning and 
drew back my window curtain, the ground was white, 
perfectly white. There had been a frost and this frost 
robbed the trees of their last ornament, the yellow leaves 
that still clung to the branches, fell slowly one after 
another to the cold, damp earth. The ice-coated boughs 
sparkled and glittered in the sunlight like diamonds. 
A silver veil seemed to have been spread over the thin, 
dry grass, even the dilapidated walls of the house had 
received a shining covering. Yes, nature is a great artist, 
the invests even ruin and decay with a magic charm. 
The change from autumn to winter always makes me 
melancholy. It is the loss of warmth and sunlight I de- 
plore. Ma bonne once, a long time ago — she is now very 
old, probably about sixty — when she still lived in her na- 
tive land went to Provence. Whenever in the Geography 
lesson we spoke of France, which was always the 
the case, she, eagerly described the charms of the South, 
how the air in the winter was always ^oft and mild, how 
the mountains were adorned with changeless verdure, and 


.n 

% 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


67 


how on the coldest days people could sit out on the 
terraces in front of their houses: 

I should like to live under such a sky, to be always 
surrouuded by flowers and foliage, it must beautify life ! 
I never feel this longing more strongly, than when I see 
the harbinger of our long winter. Oh ! these storms, 
which howl around the house at night, how they groan 
and shriek, as if they bore on their wings the wails of the 
travelers, who have lost their way on the barren, inhos- 
pitable steppes, and meet their death under masses of 
snow and'hail stones. I cannot sleep, in imagination I see 
the unfortunates struggle, the wearied horses stand still 
with lowered heads, awaiting their fate, the whirling dance 
of the white flakes, hear the whistling and howling of the 
tempest, as it triumphantly throws a pall over the cara 
van and the lonely trravelers. Terrible images which I 
cannot dispel throng upon me. How often I start up and 
run bare footed into the next room, where ma bonne 
sleeps, nestle close to her, and cover my ears with both 
hands. She scolds me gently for my childish fear, but 
wraps me carefully in the bed-clothes and makes room for 
me beside her. On awaking I am surprised not to find 
myself in my bed, and ma bomie.^ who has risen long be- 
fore and attended to her household duties, calls me a 
little goose, who is afraid of ghosts. 

But it will be different iiow ! Autumn will no longer 
seem sad, the lightest, happiest thoughts will be connected 
with this season of the year — day after to-morrow will be 


68 


IRENE, OR 


my wedding day, and the aniversary of this day will shed 
light and warmth on the coldest winter, so long as Valdrian 
and I live. I hoj)e there are many, many years allotted 
to us, we are so sure they will bring only joy. 

I have never yet been able to tell him how deeply, 
how warmly I love him ; I have often meant to do so, 
but when I stood before him the words faltered on my 
tongue, I was overwhelmed with confusion, as if I were 
about to commit some impropriety and could not speak. 
Perhaps I shall be able to cxi^ress myself better, when I 
am his wife. 

Lost in thought I leaned out of the window, unheed- 
ing the keen morning air, that reddened my cheeks. 
Ma bonne put her head cautiously in at the door, she 
supposed I was still aslee]). 

“ How careless, Irene, to sit at the window in your 
thin night-dress sucli a cold morning. Do you want to 
be sick ? Tliis would be just tlie right time for it.” 

I replied that I had merely opened the window, to 
see if Valerian were coming, he had j^^’omised to ride 
over early in the morning. 

3Ia bonne grew angry. 

“ And you are not ashamed to greet him with bare 
arms and shoulders and unbound hair?” 

I blushed, the night dress had slipped back from m} 
neck and my hands and my braids hung in disorder 
around me. As I shut the window and wrapped myself in 
a shawl the maid handed me, I murmured, that of course 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


69 


I should have vanished behind the curtains, as soon as 1 
perceived the horseman in the distance. Ma bonrie was 
appeased when she saw my confusion and shame, but 
gave me several warnings that a woman, even when 
married, must maintain a certain reserve, that her hus- 
band may not forget to honor the lady. As if I should 
ever be wanting in reserve ! My cheeks burned at the 
thought. 

Ma hoiine dropped the subject, greatly to my relief, 
and began to dress my hair elaborately. I was to try on all 
my bridal finery that day, in order to have any necessary 
changes made in them. Little could be done with hair, 
it is too long and thick for the coiffure now in a fashion, 
Tvhich moreover my second mother has the good taste 
to think ugly. She has very excellent judgment. Vale- 
rian says she is an artiste dans Vdme,, and he understands 
such things, for his travels in foreign countries have de- 
veloped his appreciation of art. My hair was arranged 
in long braids fastened with filigre pins, an heirloom 
from my mother, in a coronet, long loose curls fell on my 
shoulders. I sat as still as a mouse, not daring to move, 
it was the foretaste of a solemn moment. 

The dress, whose material has been furnished by the 
Moscow modiste, is of white satin with embroidered 
borders, the neck trimmed with Brussels lace. I held 
my breath when it was laced, the silk rustled under the 
; maid’s fingers, she had been obliged to wash her hands 
I three times. Then the bridal veil was thrown over my head 


70 


IRENE, OR 


and a few orange blossoms fastened in my hair. Ma bonne 
declared herself satisfied witli the general effect, and led 
me before a mirror, that I might see myself. I must say 
I was very well phrased with my appearance, the train 
made me look much taller, the long dark curls that fell 
on the white satin gave me a pecubar expression, with 
the diadem of braids above my brow and my eyes spark- 
ling with delight I seemed to myself almost like a 
princess. 

As I looked at myself on all sides and admired the 
transparent veil, I could not help thinking that my dear 
mamma, whom I had never known, had worn it on her 
wedding day and that it would have been far happier, if 
her hands had arrayed me — this made me sad and I began 
to cry. 

“ Irene, aw nom de Dieu ! Tears must not fail upon 
the bridal veil ! ” exclaimed Ma bonne in half startled, 
half sympathizing tone. She carefully -v^tpod my face 
with her pocket handkerchief, just at that moment the 
the door opened and Valerian appeared on vho vhreshold, 
surprised and dazzled he remained motionleSi’- irr a mo- 
ment, then with a single bound reached mj e:de and 
seizing my hands, covered them with passionate Jiisses. 

Irene, you are so beautiful, I never saw you look so 
lovely before ! ’’ He kissed the veil, the dress, he seamed 
ready to fall down and adore me. 

I did not venture to move, lest I should disarrange 
my costly toilette, shy yet happy I stood stiff and straight 


THE LONEL Y MANOR. 


71 


with outstretched arms, like a doll, in the middle of the 
room. V alerian had rushed in so impetuously, that ma 
bonne had had no time to keep him back ; her indignation 
now burst out all the more violently. 

‘‘Monsieur ! ” she exclaimed in an angry tone, shaking 
him somewhat rudely, how long has it been the custom 
to rush into a lady’s room like a madman ? Go away at 
once ! What right have you to defy fate, don’t you know 
it is a bad omen for a bridegroom to see his bride in the 
wreath and veil, except at the altar ? ” 

He was still kneeling before me, her anger made very 
little impression upon him, he smilingly raised his hand- 
some, joyous face and answered saucily : 

“ I have another interpretation of the omen, Madame., 
it means that a man sees Heaven open before him, ere 
be enters.” 

I stooped and pressed my lips on his fair, waving 
hair, which gleamed like gold in the sunlight. 

“ Turn your back upon the unmannerly fellow, Irene 
besides he is crushing your dress unmercifully Allez-voiis 
en., monstre^ 

Ma bonne pushed him out of the door without cere- 
mony, and silently removed my wreath and the various 
articles of my dress, she was seriously angry. I coaxed 
her not to be cross. Valerian had done nothing wrong; 
after searching for me everywhere in vain, it was excus- 
able that he had come to my room. 

“ I’m not superstitious, my child, Dieu merci ! I be- 


72 


IRENE, OR 


long to a country which has produced a Yoltaire and 
Diderot,” she said with a certain solemnity, “ but there 
are things that should not be touched. The wreath and 
veil are not merely articles of dress, they are symbols ; 
therefore no stranger^s eye, least of all the bridegroom’s, 
should see them in advance. When such a thing does 
happen, we believe the couple will never be united.” 

These gloomy forebodings did not startle me, I was 
too happy; I heard Valerian, who was impatiently 
awaiting me, whistle under my window. We had in- 
tended to seek every spot that was associated with our 
love, to-morrow there would be no time to do so, because 
some of the guests would arrive. I hastily buttoned my 
fur trimmed kasaveika and embracing ma honne^ an- 
swered confidently : 

“ You will be convinced that your superstitious fears 
— yes indeed, superstitious, in spite of Yoltaire and 
Diderot — ” I said with a mischievious emphasis, are 
.groundless. I ask you how it would be possible for the ■ 
wedding not to take place ? The roasting and baking ,* 
are already going on, the house is full of odors from the 
kitchen, the priest has been summoned, the witnessess ; 
invited, papa has consented, unless the sky falls, I can \ 
think of no obstacle. Even the count’s presence no 
longer disturbs me, he won’t trouble himself much about | 
an insignificant bride and bridegroom, as we shall appear 
in his eyes. I shall look down when he speaks to me, 
that I may not see his fierce contenance ” 


THE LONELY MANOR 


73 


She forced a smile, that did not come from her heart, 
wrapped a shawl around my head and neck — for which 
purpose she was obliged to stand on a stool, as I am much 
the taller of the two — and said : 

“ I’ll be no raven to destroy your youthful courage 
by my croaking, it is natural for old age to distrust fate. 
Fly away, my little bird. Valerian is calling still more 
urgently.” 

When, breathless from running, I reached Valerian, 
he caught me in his arms and held me in a close em-. 
brace. 

How your heart beats,” he whispered tenderly,” you' 
ought not to excite yourself so, remember what a fragile 
flower you are.” 

I clung to his arm and with downcast eyes listened 
to the thousand loving words he lavished upon me, as we 
wandered through the large, deserted garden. The yel- 
ow leaves rustled under our feet, crimson vines twined 
around the trunks of the bare trees, illumined by the 
sun, they looked like fiery garlands. The frost had 
melted in the increasing warmth of the day, drops of 
moisture trickled slowly from the boughs, now and then 
falling on our foreheads, as we walked under the densely 
[ interlaced branches. Nothing green was visible except 
[ the sombre pines and the box which enclosed the walks. 
White filaments fluttered from the hawthorn bushes, the 
birds were silent, no butterflies hovered in the air, nature 
was preparing to sleep. But our gay laughter rang out 


IRENE, OR 


7i 

like joyous Spring. Val6rian twisted a crimson vine in 
my hair and told me, what I was never weary of hearing, 
that as a boy he had loved me fondly, that my image 
had accompanied him everywhere, and its magic power 
rendered him indifferent to all other beauty. I sat down 
on the stone curb of a fountain, which had long been dry ; 
it was a lonely, desolate spot. All sorts of grass and 
weeds grew in the basin, the Neptune that had once 
hurled aloft the jet of water had lost his trident, his arms 
were missing, rain and snow bad cruelly maltreated 
him, he looked almost black, so weather beaten was the 
stone. 

The yew hedges around, no longer clipped, grew in 
tangled luxuriance in every direction and pressed close 
around the basin, as if they wished to imprison the old 
sea god. The noon day sun shone on this sheltered spot 
and warmed the stone ; a brownish lizard glided out of 
a chink, not with dainty nimbleness, but idly and feebly, 
as if already under the spell of winter. The warmth had 
probably tempted it out for the last time, it crept close 
to me and its little eyes seemed to look at me sadly, as if 
to say: you and I both mourn for the beautiful short 
summer. I did not move, lest I should frighten the little 
creature; Valerian, who had thrown himself at ray feet, 
rested his head on his arm and watched it as intently 
as I. 

We were silent for some time, only our eyes spoke, | 
like the lizard I basked in the pleasant warmth of the I 


THE LONELY MANOR 


75 


sun ; my friend had taken my hand and held it pressed 
to his lips, no sound was audible, now and then a with- 
ered leaf fluttered slowly to the ground — there was no 
other token of life. 

Nothing unusual happened during the hour spent by 
the old fountain, we said nothing new or clever, saw and 
heard nothing, that would make an impression on the 
memory, yet it seems to me as if I shall never forget it. 
There was such a divine feeling of perfect satisfaction, 
perfect happiness, as I sat there quietly in the sunlight, 
with Valerian at my feet, his eyes fixed upon me with an 
expression of the most ardent, tender love, and the yew 
walls dividing us from the rest of the world. 

When we went away, the lizard was still lying on the 
stone. “ One could swear it was following you with its 
melancholy gaze,” said Valerian, ‘‘you have charmed it, 
as you do everything that approaches you.” 

I turned — it did not stir, and I too thought it was 
looking at me. 

In the afternoon ma bonne asked in a tone of gentle 
reproach, if I did not intend to go and take leave of my 
mother’s grave ? I had not been so heartless as to forget 
It, but merely deferred the act of filial piety, that the 
quiet, solemn mood it would produce might not be dis- 
pelled by the bustle that pervaded the household. Late 
in the afternoon we went to the churchyard. Valerian 
has told me how affectionately these gardens of the dead 
are tended in foreign countries — with us they are melan- 


76 


IRENE, OR 


cholj places, it grieves me that my dear mamma, who 
was so refined and gentle, should sleep in such a neg- 
lected, desolate spot. The church yard is not enclosed, 
a few stones thrown together pass for a wall, which is so 
low and full of holes, that it does not afford the slightest 
protection. Dogs, pigs, geese have chosen it for their 
favorite resort, the earth is everywhere turned up, most 
of the tasteless crosses are overthrown ; no one takes any 
care of the graves, there is not a tree, a flower, a blade 
of grass, nothing but a mass of dirt and rubbish. 
Mamma is said to have wished to be buried in our gar- 
den, instead of here, I don’t know why the request was 
not fulfilled, I believe the church entered a protest. 

Ma honne and I have vainly endeavored to give her 
grave a pleasant aspect ; without shade, exijosed to the 
full power of the sun, every flower withered, the seeds ^ 
would not grow in the dry earth. The only thing that 
could be done was to put a fence around the mound, 
that it might at least be i^rotected from animals. I al- ^ 
ways feel oppressed when I enter this spot — after we ; 
have enjoyed our bright, happy life and rejoiced in the 
air and simligiit, we shall be thrust into the ground to 
sleep until the resurrection. How short the -waking, 
and how long the sleep ! What has life given my poor 
mamma? Nothing but disappointment and sorrow, and ^ 
when she pressed to her heart a child, who might have | 
afforded her some consolation, death, without pity for | 
her youth and beauty, snatched her away. Who can 


THE L ONEL Y MANOR, 


77 


tell how this injustice is to be made good ? By heav- 
^ enly joys ? I can form no idea of them, and yet religion 
requires that the prospect of them shall enable us to bear 
and suffer everything — These are sinful thoughts again, 
I’ll confess them to Father Spiridon, he won’t understand 
them, it is true, but he will grant me absolution. 

I knelt beside the grave and prayed, prayed fer- 
vently to my dear mamma, imploring her to bless me 
and Valerian. It seemed to me as if she must hear my 
voice, I felt so near her, and I involuntarily listened for 
an answer. It was growing dark, the grave stones cast 
long shadows, twilight was already spreading its grey 
veil over the earth, the daws screamed around the dome 
of the church, bats glided by. I leaned on Valerian’s 
arm, he dried the tears which flowed incessantly, and 
said that he vowed by the sleeper resting there, to make 
my happiness his sole object, that he would never forget 
I* was weaker and more delicate, and therefore it would 
be his most sacred duty to cherish me. 

A fine rain began to trickle down, the moisture col- 
lected in beads on our clothes, faces, and hair. Valerian 
said it was time to return, he feared I should get chilled. 
I crossed myself and kissed the earth which contained 
the mortal remains of my mother, he had thrown himself 
beside me, to mingle his prayers with ini,ne. 

‘‘Come, Irene,” he said, throwing his arm around me 
and drawing me away with gentle violence. We closed 
the little gate, whose key I held ; I shivered, indescrib- 


IREiVS, OR 


able desolation and dreariness brooded over the spot. A 
feeling of dread suddenly took possession of me, it 
seemed as if there was a movement among the sunken 
graves, the mouldering wooden crosses, I fancied I saw 
shadowy forms in the mist — “Let us go, let us go,” I 
whispered timidly. We turned away — ^just at that mo- 
ment Valerian felt something hold his cloak. 

“ It is the hand of the dead, she wants to draw you 
into the grave, I will not let you go ! ” I shrieked in 
terror, clinging to him. He tried to soothe me, but his 
own voice sounded unsteady, and I saw in his face, that 
he too could not resist an unpleasant impression. 

In closing the gate a corner of his cloak had been 
caught, we were obliged to open it again to release it. 
The incident had a perfectly natural explanation, yet the 
first ghostly impression lingered, and I still think of it 
with terror. We walked silently to the house, and the 
noisy bustle that greeted us there formed a striking con- 
trast to our mood. Perhaps it was fortunate, that we 
were obliged to mingle with others, or the whole evening 
would have passed very sorrowfully. Several carriages 
filled with guests had arrived and ina bonne had her 
hands full to provide for them and their servants. All 
were papa^s friends and acquaintainces, but total strang- 
ers to me, as he never took me with him when paying 
visits in the neighborhood. I can’t say I like them ; the 
older men had loud voices and a coarse laugh, the manners 
of the younger ones were more polished, among them 


TME LONELY MANOR. 


79 


re several officers — sons of land owners — who were 
stitioned in Moscow' and St Petersburg, but their con- 
duct was equally unpleasant. The conversation they 
carried on with the other ladies and with me was inex- 
pressibly insipid and commonplace, and I did not under- 
stand the innuendoes at wdiich the others often burst into 
shouts of laughter. There was not one of the young 
girls whom I should have wished to choose for a friend, 
they all seemed extremely ignorant and uncultured. 
Dressed wdth the utmost w^ant of taste and overloaded 
with finery, they moved stiffly and awkwardly, it was 
evident that they were ill at ease in these showy toilettes, 
^^e^ause unaccustomed to them. They scanned me from 
head to foot with the boldest glances. 

“ Why are you so simply dressed ? ’’ they asked con- 
temptously, you don’t look at all like a bride. And 
your hair isn’t powdered ! Don’t you know what is the 
fashion ? ” 

I replied thdXma bonne always chose my dresses, and 
that I thought powder very ugly because it concealed 
the natural color of the hair. They put their heads to- 
gether and whispered, I thought I caught the words : 
silly goose. Then a tall, stout girl, with a ruddy com- 
plexion and broad cheeks, said : 

“I hear you are very learned, Irene Stepanovna, you 
speak French and paint. We can’t do that, we are very 
stupid and simple, but we know how to cook, make cake, 
etc, in a word, we are good housekeepers.” 


80 


IRENE, OR 


I was bewildered — why were they so unkind to me 
I had done tliein no harm, and couldn’t help being unlike 
them. So I answered timidly, I hoped I too should be 
able to keep my house in order, and what I did not know 
1 would try to learn. 

“ Only don’t work too hard, you’re a tender little 
doll and can’t do much with your tiny hands.” 

‘‘ Those hands are only meant to be kissed,” said a 
young gentleman joining in the conversation and look- 
ing at me with piercing eyes. I blushed under the gaze 
whose boldness annoyed me. The tall girl, with fat 
red fingers, and she had squeezed them into such small 
gloves, that the seams had burst. One young girl had a 
pleasanter expression than the others ; I took her arm 
and walked up and down the hall with her. She was a 
year younger than I and also betrothed, her wedding 
was to take place very soon. 

‘‘ Has your lover given you a doll too ? ” she asked. 

I looked at her in astonishment, I had not played 
with dolls since I was twelve years old. 

‘‘ Mine brought me a splendid one from Moscow, just 
think, she is dressed like a lady and can open and shut 
her eyes. I fairly jumped for joy when she came and 
insisted upon taking her to bed with me. At my wed- 
ding she’ll sit on a chair beside me. If you’ll promise 
not to betray me, I’ll tell you a secret — I love the doll 
far better than my betrothed husband.” 

I hesitated a moment and then said : Do you know. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


81 


Varvara Pavlovna, if I were in your place, I would play- 
with dolls as long as I liked them and be married af- 
terwards.” 

‘‘ What an idea ! ” she answered laughing, “ my mo- 
ther married when she was fourteen — am I to be an old 
maid ? ” 

I made no reply, we should not have understood each 
other. What strange people there are in the world, and 
how few there are like Valerian and ma bonne. 

While writing, I fell asleep with my head on the 
table, I was so tired, I should be wiser to go to bed, for 
to-morrow will be a tiresome day, as ma 5o;^?^6says; but 
the short nap has refreshed me wonderfully. I feel as if 
I could sit up till morning. Ma bonne doesn’t give her- 
self any rest, I hear her moving continually about in her 
room and speaking in low tones to* the maid servants, 
she is afraid of disturbing me, because she imagines T 
am sound asleep. — I had a few lines to write in my jour- 
nal — I shall spend only one more night in this room, 
which I have occupied ever since mamma died and I was 
placed here, where ma bonne could watch every breath, 
every cry. I have passed seventeen years in this room, 
and they have been very pleasent ones ; but for my fear 
of papa, and a few violent scenes which took place be- 
tween him and my dear governess, I shall have only 
happy memories of these days. My nature is not prone 
to noisy mirth, but quiet cheerfulness, if I am to feel 
really happy, I must be surrounded by love and peace 

6 


82 


TRENE, OR 


And for this my dear second mother toiled with unwear- 
ed devotion, she would have liked to pack me in cotton- 
wool like a little bird, that no breeze might visit me too 
roughly. Where shall I be at the end of seventeen years 
more ? What an eternity it seems, and liow divine is 
the thought that I shall spend each one of these thou 
sands of days with Valdrian ! I wonder if every girl on 
the eve of her wedding is as happy and as secure of the 
future as I ! 

Most of the guests have retired. A muffled noise 
rises from the billiard room, where the gentlemen are 
lying about on benches, chairs, and tables — there were 
not rooms and beds enough for all. Some, papa among 
them, have not yet left the card table. He must have 
lost heavily, for the veins on his forhead were swollen, 
and his thick eyebrows frowned angrily. When I went 
to kiss his hand and bid him good night, he did not hear 
me ; I waited patiently for him to turn — it was not a 
good idea, it would have been better for me to slip 
quietly away. His opponents were just sweeping up a 
pile of gold pieces — among them his seal ring — when he 
perceived me. 

“ Why do you stand behind my chair and drive away 
my luck with your gloomy eyes ? he angrily exclaimed. 

Girls are only born to annoy us.’’ 

“ Our own girls, you mean,” interrupted a landowner 
with a disagreeable laugh, “ other people’s daughters are 
often very pleasant.” 


7'HE LONELY A/A NOE. 


83 


“My father joined in the laugh and giving me a pat 
on the shoulder, exclaimed : 

“Run away, little wax doll, and don’t stare at us 
any longer, tell Axinia ” — this was the housekeeper — 
“ to send up the Hungarian wine with the yellow seal 
and some brandy.” 

I hurried out of the room, I felt afraid of these drink- 
ing, wrangling men, whose faces were scarcely distin- 
guishable through the cloud of tobacco smoke. 

Valerian has returned to Malinovka for the last time. 
To-morrow he will come in a carriage he has bought for 
me, an English chaise, which I am very curious to see ; 
we have only an old fashioned clumsy coach, in which 
we can drive only a short distance, and an ordinary tar- 
antass, which papa has for his journeys. I am not only 
curious to see the carriage, but also the house. Valerian 
has kept his arrangements a secret, that my surprise 
might be greater. I only know that he purchased the 
furniture, carpets, and curtains in Moscow. His taste 
is the best in the world, and he likes to bo surrounded 
with pretty, comfortable things. In former days our 
house is said to have been also very elegant ; papa be- 
longs to a family that once possessed great wealth, but 
the magnificence vanished long ago, no tiace of it re- 
mains except a few pieces of silver and a white satin 
quilt, richly embroidered with gold and silver, which 
ma bonne kept for me with the veil. 

My bridal finery lies outspread before me ; Parascha, 


84 


IRENE, OR 


my maid, has spread a large cloth over it to protect it 
from the dust — it looks almost like a winding sheet. 
What a horrible comparison, yet it is an apt one. The 
more I look at it, the stronger the resemblance becomes. 

To-morrow morning more guests will arrive, the 
young gentlemen are to act as Valerians groomsmen, he 
has no friends among them, only acquaintances. At 
twelve o,clock we are to dine and afterwards the danc- 
ing will begin. I am to dance in turn with all the gentle- 
men. Valerian with all the ladies. This will last until 
after midnight, for people are unwearied, when this i^leas- 
ure has commenced. The musicians who are to play for 
us, are gipsies, it is said their tunes have power to lend 
wings to the slowest feet. I’m very fond of dancing, 
but I fear it will be no pleasure whirling about with 
mere strangers. The wedding is appointed to take 
place at eleven o’clock day after to-morrow ; Valerian 
and his comiDanions will drive straight to the church, I 
am to follow somewhat later with those who accompany 
me. Papa thinks Ilis excellency. Count W., will do me 
the honor to give me away. I hope he will be too 
proud, such a distinguished gentleman will scarcely con- 
descend to notice a simple little country girl. 

After the ceremony is over we sliall return to the 
house, where meantime a table will have been set; Vale- 
rian and I will sit down on the sofa and receive the con- 
gratulations of the guests, each of whom we must pledge 
in a glass of wine. This will bo a hard task, for even if 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


85 


1 only sip a few drop each time, I shall have a terrible 
headache. After we have pledged the whole company 
and bowed to each other, we shall go in to dinner, and as 
the number of dishes is very large, the meal will be a long 
one. Then the dancing will begin again, in which, how- 
ever, we shall have no share, we shall slip away, enter our 
carriage, and drive off. Ma bonne devised this plan, be- 
cause she says I should certainly be ill if I were obliged 
to go through another tiresome evening. Valerian, to 
whom the noisy gayety is repulsive, agreed to this pro- 
posal with delight, as we shall slip away unobserved — to 
escape the indelicate jests and allusions, as ma bonne says. 

If to-morrow were only over ! I cannot join in this 
loud mirth ; Valerian and I are both strangers in this 
circle of neighbors, who have come from a distance of 
sixty miles around ; papa knows them, all, and it seems 
as if our wedding were only a secondary consideration, 
the drinking, gambling and carousing the real object. 
I have led too solitary a life during my childhood, it is 
hard for me to conquer my diffidence. I had anticipated 
much pleasure from the society of the young girls. I 
thought w^e should laugh and talk together merely, but 
I perceive they look at me with serious glances, which 
betray no kind feelings. Why do they annoy me? I^vc 
not even put on the diamonds Valerian gave me, they 
belonged to his mother, my dear mother, and he merely 
had them reset. I shall feel sad when I adorn myself 
with them, and yet he wishes me to wear them. 


86 


IRENE, OR 


Hark ! Wliat was that ! What mournful sounds*^ 
reach my ear — Oh Heaven — it was nothing, but I felt 
terribly startled — some one tapped on my window — I 
started up to rush to ma honne^ at the risk of depriving 
her of the sleep she so much needs — How childish 1 have 
been, at night the simplest things seem mysterious — the 
mind has risen an-d howls around the house, it dashed a 
branch against the window, that was all. Fortunately 
Valerian’s nocturnal rides are now over, he could not 
continue them in such weather without danger to his 
health, even if nothing worse happened — I had wished 
to have the sun shine brightly on my wedding day — ^but 
it is not to be, the sky is covered with thick clouds , 1 
just put my head out of the window, because I heard 
Rosza, my little dog, howling piteously. In vain I 
shaded my eyes to pierce the gloom — I could not distim 
guish the nearest objects. The whining and howling con- 
tinued, I softly opened the door, before which my maid 
Parascha slept, to rouse her. She at last understood 
what I wanted, a long drawn howl from the dog com- 
pletely enlightened her. She crossed herself. 

‘VOh ! Barishin, Irinia Stepanovna, that’s a bad sign 
Dogs howl in that way when there is a dead body in the 
house. Heaven preserve us from misfortune ! ” 

Her superstitious fears infected me, in order not to 
remain alone, I accompanied her down stairs, we un- 
locked the door, which was a difficult task, as the wind 
pressed against us and admitted Rosza, who leaped upon 


THE LONELY MANOE. 


87 


me with a joyous bark. I have been forbidden to let 
the dog sleep in my room, but I took him in. I was ex- 
cHed and worn out, it was a comfort to have some living 
c. eature near me. He has jumped on the bed and 
retched himself on the quilt at the foot. I’ll follow his 
cample, it is time to stop writing. 

How the wind howls ! 

Those are the same tones, that startled me when a 
jhild — Fll bury my head in the pillows and try to fall 
asleep at once — When I continue my journal, I shall be 
a wife, Val^’ian’s wife, mistress of Malinovka! 


88 


IRENEy OR 


NOTES BY THE OLD GOVERNESS. 

(three years later.) 

St. Petersburgh^ 1793. 

“Yes, lam still alive and my trembling lingers car 
guide a pen. The old Frenchwoman, V epouvantail^^ 
as His Excellency chooses to call me, has a tough consti- 
tution, and as she is indispensable to the child she reared 
with so much love and care, will wait for death, though 
she longs to get away from this cruel, blood-stained 
world, where crime triumphs and baseness boldly lifts its 
head. To think that my eyes were forced to behold 
these things, while I had no weapons save burning tears 
and powerless curses. To-day the terrible events of that 
day again rose before my mind ; I found in one of the 
wardrobes of this huge palace a shabby little trunk, 
which I dimly remember having brought with me, when 
thirty years ago I first trod the soil of this cold, savage 
country. It contained all my ])ossessions ; a poor lonely 
widow, forced to earn my bread among strangers, I had 
no superfluous articles of dress. I began to weep as I un- 
fastened the shabby, leather straps — alas in those days, 
when still young and hopeful, I had thought that after 


THE L ONEL Y MANOR. 


89 


the lapse of a certain time I should pack my savings in 
this little trunk, and be able to return to my home — 
How different has been the result ! I made the acquaint- 
ance of Irene’s mother, my heart clung fondly to the 
gentle, lovable creature, I followed her to the Kudovka, 
received her last sigh, which sounded like an expression 
of gratitude that God had called her to Him, and vow,ed 
beside her lifeless body never to leave her child. I have 
kept my promise, as a dog will not allow kicks and blows 
to drive it from its master’s threshold, so neither insults 
nor threats have been able to separate me from Irene. I 
watched over her in this pompous palace, as I did at 
Kudovka. Was there ever a harder, more thorny path 
than the one allotted to this young wife ? I am sur- 
prised that she is still alive, that the terrible blow did 
not kill her on the spot. To’ be sure, what sort of life is 
it ? That of an automaton, whose soul has been de- 
stroyed, even the instinct of maternal affection has cast 
no animating spark into this beautiful, lifeless form. I 
cannot help it — I love the little helpless creature, that 
lies deserted in its gilded cradle and vainly stretches 
out its little hands towards its mother. If I did not take 
pity upon it, the nurse would neglect it shamefully, she 
knows its life gives no one pleasure. Is it the child’s 
fault, that its father is a monster? I said the same thing 
to Irene yesterday, when I carried little Tatiana to her 
and told her to notice how how straight she was and 
how' her eyes sparkled. The young mother gazed at me 


90 


IRENE, OR 


with a weary, hopeless look, and answered in a hollow 
tonej 

Take her way — perhaps after a time I shall become 
accustomed to the thought of having a daughter. I wish 
her the best fate that can befall her — an early death, be- 
fore she has passed the boundaries of childhood.” 

The little thing, as if it had understood the meaning 
of the words, suddenly began to cry piteously, not 
noisily like a child, but in a low mournful tone, like a grown 
person. I carried it back to the large bare room, where 
the cradle seems lost, and soothed it with caressing. 

As I unfastened the old trunk, a motley variety of arti- 
cles fell out. I remembered, that in a half senseless condi- 
tion I had collected and thrown in all sorts of things, 
which I thought Irene or I might need. Afterw^ards, 
w hen we reached St. Petersburgh, the shabby little trunk 
was probably contemptuously thrust out of the way by 
some of the liveried servants, and I forgot it. I unpacked 
it Avith mournful curiosity ; there were underclothes be- 
longing to Irene and myself, a miniature of her mother, a 
work bag, a Russian prayer book, a shabby copy of Paul 
et Virginie^ and some hard object carefully wrapped in a 
cloth. What could it be? I removed the cover and 
found — the casket which Valerian — my hand trembles as 

f 

I write his name — had given his betrothed bride on her 
seventeenth birthday — mon Dieu ! What memories 
arose ! I fell on my knees, every limb trembled, I gazed 
through a mist of tears at the delicate painting on the 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


91 


lid, which the smiling happy girl had so ’rapturously ad- 
mired : the white rose-bud bending on its delicate stalk 
above a grave stone. Yes, my gloomy forebodings did 
not deceive me — it has become a symbol of Irene. Like 
the white rose she droops her beautiful head, her happi. 
ness, her youth sleep in a grave and will never be restored. 
A worm is gnawing at this sweet flower, it continues its 
work of destruction invisibly, soon she too will fade — 

I opened the casket — there on the red velvet cushion 
lay the pearl necklace, which had been intended to adorn 
the betrothed bride. Was I not right in saying people 
should not wear these petrified, frozen tears on such a 
day ? Alas, how all the vague, shapeless forebodings, 
that haunted and tortured me, have been fulfilled. 

In the lower part of the casket I found a book — why 
had I placed it there ? Did it contain anything so im- 
portant? I could not yet remember why I had pre- 
served these crushed, worn pages. It was Irene’s jour- 
nal, the sweet ^nnocent thoughts she had confided to 
pap^r ; that was her flowing graceful hand, so clear and 
legible. I glanced over the contents, though it cut me 
to the heart to follow her life, step by step, up to the 
final catastrophe — 

I dare not return the book to her, the sight of it 
would cause an outburst of despair, whi^h I should be 
powerless to soothe. It might kill her. True, death 
would be a happy release, but I will not be the instru- 


92 


IRENE, OR 


merit to deal the blow. I must not undertake the role of 
Providence. I put the casket in a cupboard, whose key 
I always carry, and laid the volume in a portfolio, which 
can also be locked. When Irene, magnificently dressed 
as befits her rank but cold and pale as marble, drives out 
to some entertainment, from which she always returns 
with a still more desolate heart, I will secretly endeavor 
in my quiet room, to complete her journal, that the 
child, whose existence gives no one pleasure, whose en- 
trance into the world has been greeted by no tender 
smile, may one day learn why its mother could not love 
it. I shall probably not live long enough to tell the 
story, so the pen must speak for me. My eyes and hand 
are wei^k, for I have become a feeble old woman and can 
no longer see anything without spectacles, but I will try 
to make my writing legible — the task I have to perform 
is a sacred one. 

So I will take up the thread of the story, where Irene 
dropped it, namely on the day preceding the wedding. 

The morning was dark and gloomy ; a storm had 
risen during the night, and the sky was obscured by 
heavy clouds, which discharged their contents in gusts of 
cold rain mingled with snow flakes. Irene confessed 
that she had slept very little; in many respects she was 
a mere child, one cause of which was doubtless her ex- 
tremely delicate, nervous constitution. She shrank from 
any conflict of the elements, as she trembled before out- 
bursts of anger, and no long period had elapsed since 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


93 


she buried her head in my lap and closed her ears, when- 
ever a tempest was raging. So although she had not 
rested as well as I desired — for I alone know what care 
she requires — she looked like a dewy rose, when she en- 
tered my room. I was again dazzled by her beauty, and 
my admiration is totally impartial. Her figure might 
serve as the model for a Hebe, her skin is smooth as satin 
and transparent as the petal of a lily, her hands and feet 
are the most delicate that can be imagined, and the 
sweet face with its large dark eyes, the graceful head 
with its wealth of silken hair rest on the slender neck 
like a fiower. Fortunately the rude land owners, who 
lived like bears on the steppes and in the forests, did not 
appreciate this ideal beauty ; stout, large-boned girls, 
with cheeks as red as tiles, who allowed themselves to be 
petted by coarse hands, pleased them better. Thank 
God that it was so ! I blessed their blindness and stupid- 
ity. My darling had forgotten the terrors of the night, 
she laughed and talked merrily while I combed and 
braided her hair, which I could only do by standing on a 
stool, for she had outstripped me in hight long ago. 
Now and then she glanced out of the window and said 
sorrowfully : 

My poor Valerian, what a disagreeable drive he 
will have! How fortunate that he is in a close carriage, 
or the bridegroom would arrive dripping wet. I’m very 
curious to see the vehicle, it is said to have been built in 
England and rests on springs, which j^revent any jolt. 


94 


IRENE, OR 


Don’t you think, petite maman^ that that is a very usetul 
invention for our horrible roads ? ” 

While talking she turned her head now towards me, 
now towards the window, I scolded her a little and said 
I could not arrange her hair neatly if she didn’t sit 
still. 

“Nobody must look cross to day,” she cried laughing, 
with an affectionate embrace. She had a tender hearty 
and not even her lover made her forget her old friend. 
During the early days of their betrothal, Monsieur Val- 
4rien, whose intellect was as keen and vivacious as if he 
were a Frenchman instead of a Muscovite, teased me 
about keeping' Irene in leading strings; she probably 
feared I might feel hurt, for she threw both arms around 
me and said in a tone of grave reproach: “ Consider that 
ma bonne has older rights to my love, I shall not only 
never cease to be her daughter, but bring you to her as 
an affectionate son. And Monsieur Valerian always be- 
haved like one. He was a noble young man, his excel- 
lent mother’s spirit lived in him. He and Irene were a 
wonderfully handsome couple — I hoped they would also 
be a happy pair. 

Meantime I had dressed my darling, on this day I 
would allow no other hand to touch her ; she wore a pink 
satin robe overman underskirt of muslin and lace, and in 
her hair, whose exquisite hue was unconcealed by powder, 
a spray of pink roses fastened by a diamond pin. Her 
exquisite shoulders rose from the ruffle that trimmed her 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


95 


low waist, and her arms were bared to the dimpled 
elbows. It was quite time to complete the toilette, for 
carriage after carriage drove into the courtyard. Stepan 
Petrovitsch — Irene's father — seemed to have invited the 
whole province, so many people arrived and with the 
hospitality usual in this country, which always seemed to 
me a relic of barbarity, families often brought the 
friends who happened to be visiting them. With his 
usual want of consideration Stepan Petrovitsch had not 
told me how many persons might be expected, and I felt 
anxious when I saw how rapidly the courtyard and house 
filled, and the numbers of strange servants, who strolled 
idly about the corridors. To be sure I knew by experi- 
ence how few comfort most of them claimed, no one 
thought of expecting a bed, such as the humblest shop- 
keepers in France would have required, but there was 
not even room enough to spread hay and straw on the 
floor for all, and the thought that I should be obliged to 
set the table for the wedding dinner in a room, where 
perhaps twenty gentlemen of more or less doubtful 
cleanliness had spent the night, was extremely unpleas- 
ant to me. My only assistants were awkward, rough 
peasants and their wives, good for nothing except to eat 
and drink. I had ordered the cook to be locked up in 
the wood shed through the night, that he might at least 
j be fit to commence his duties. I could depend upon him, 

I if he could not get brandy. He knew how to prepare 
the rich, fat, indigestible food, which even the women in 


96 


IRENE, OR 


this country swallow in such quantities. Slieep, pigs, 
and calves had been killed, poultry and game were not 
thought of, pastry and cake of every description had al- 
ready filled the store room to overflowing for several 
days, yet I feared the stock of provisions would not suf- 
fice. To form some idea of the quantity required, I tried 
to ascertain how many persons were really expected, but 
it was a useless task. Stepan Petrovitsch answered in a 
surly tone : ‘‘ it wasnT the custom to count guests, the 
more that came the pleasanter it would be.’’ 

The ladies — they did not deserve the name — I received 
and conducted to 4he rooms fitted up for them, where 
they dressed and appeared in the drawing room in robes 
of heavy materials, braided with clumsy jewelry of gold 
and precious stones. On greeting them I was favored 
with a kiss on each cheek, an honor with which I would 
willingly have dispensed, and the fact that I spoke Rus- 
sian so fluently — as if one had not time to learn a lan- 
guage in tAventy-eight years — always excited their cour- 
teous astonishment. I was running busily here and 
there, and each person who wanted advice or information 
n Implied to me, till my head fairly ached from so much 
talking and thinking, Irenes’ maid, a neat kind 
hearted girl, w^hom I had taken into the house when an 
orphan and who was devoted to her young lady, came 
up and begged me to go to her mistress, who wanted to 
speak to me a moment. While mounting the stairs, I 
repeated like a child saying its lesson : There are forty. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


97 


eight silver knives and forks, and it’s a marvel they 
haven’t gone to the Jews, fifty table spoons and as many 
gold tea spoons, there are not enough glasses, even if I 
take the silver cups from the trunk — if Stephan Petro- 
vitsch had told me in time, I would have asked Monsieur 
Valerien to lend me what was necessary. To be sure, it 
would have been a loss, for he would never had half of 
them returned.” This wedding was really a torment, I 
had not had so much to do in my whole life as during 
the last few days. 

Then I entered Irene’s room, where she sat on the 
little sofa looking as sweet and lovely as an angel, she 
started up ; her face wore an expression of ill concealed 
anxiety. 

‘‘ Valerian has not yet arrived, the delay makes me 
uneasy,” she said hastily. 

Her little mouth quivered as if she was ready to cry, 
but when she saw how quietly I took the matter, her 
cheerfulness returned. 

“ Perhaps he wants to show me, that the attentive 
lover is giving place to the despotic husband, who ruth- 
lessly keeps his poor wife waiting ; ” she said laughing. 

“ Oh ! there he is ! ” she suddenly exclaimed, as we 
heard the trampling of horses, and darted to the window 
without noticing that her satin train was almost torn 
from its folds. 

The elegant traveling carriage, drawn by six coal 
black horses, dashed into the courtyard, the gigantic 

7 


98 


IRENE, OR 


coachman, wrapped in a bearskin coat and whose beard 
tell to his waist, drove the proud steeds, and a footman 
in livery sat on the box beside him. The coachman un- 
derstood his business admirably, he dashed into the court- 
yard like a whirlwind, made a short turn before the house 
and the same instant the animals stood like statues. It 
was not Yalerian’s carriage, he drove three cream colored 
horses, and his coachman, Andre, was a merry young lad 
whose mouth and chin were scarcely covered with a light 
down. 

Irene involuntarily grasped my hand,as she cautiously 
bent forward to see who the new guest could be. The 
footman on the box, as well as two others, who stood 
behind the carriage, instantly sprang forward and opened 
the door. A gentleman alighted, leaning on the shoul- 
ders of the servants like a delicate lady. He wore on his 
head a tall crimson velvet cap edged with blacl^ fox fur, 
and a large fur cloak of the same color covered his ample 
shoulders. As the gentleman alighted this garment fell 
back, revealing a court-dress of silver brocade, which 
opened over a violet satin vest. Just as the new comer 
placed his foot on the lowest step of the flight leading to 
the house, he raised his head and looked sharply at the 
window where we stood — what features ! The thick lips 
expressed coarseness and cruelty, the massive chin an 
iron will, bushy black brows bristled over eyes, whose 
piercing imperious glance gave the bronzed, angular 
face a savage, threatening appearance. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


99 


Irene started and involuntarily made the sign of the 
cross as these eyes met hers, then hastily drawing back 
pressed her hand upon her heart, as if she felt a sudden 
pang. 

‘^It’s Count she whispered, ‘Hhatis just the face 
I imagined belonged to him^ who listened with cold 
composure to the shrieks of perishing women and chil- 
dren. It was he, for what other guest would Stepan 
Petrovitsch have welcomed with such abject servility. 
He even attempted to kiss the muscular hand the aris_ 
tocratic gentleman carelessly extended to him. And 
his example was followed by the guests, who had hurried 
out and bowed to the ground before the count, who an- 
swered their humble greeting with a condescending nod 
How terrible ! ” moaned Irene, “ instead of my 
V alerian’s fair waving curls, I beheld that horrible face — 
I cannot recover from the shock.” 

I was about to reprove her causeless terror, when I 
heard her father ^s blustering voice impatiently calling me. 

Where have you been ? ” he shouted, as I hurried 
down stairs as fast as my feet would carry me. His 
Excellency has come, make haste, bring out the sakuska 
and then we must go to dinner. 

I replied that we must wait for the bridegroom, with- 
out whom Irene could not take her place at the table. 

What ? ” he shrieked furiously, is His Excellency 
to be kept waiting for that silly boy, who is probably 
curling his hair? Have you gone crazy? Don’t you 


100 


IRENE, OR 


know that the count can eat a dozen such fellows 
for breakfast, if he chooses. Bring Irene down, His 
Excellency has already condescended to ask for her. I 
hope the girl will know how to appreciate the undeserved 
honor. She must come to the noble gentleman at once^ 
and see that she doesn’t neglect to kiss his hand.” 

‘‘ You may rely upon it, that she won’t do that,” I 
answered dryly, “ modest and gentle as Irene is, she 
knows that she is a lady. Are you not ashamed to ex- 
pect your own child to forget her womanly dignity ? ” 

‘‘ Be good enough to spare your remarks,” he an- 
swered coarsely, “ if I, her father, command, she has to 
obey, that’s the custom of our country, Madame. Of 
what consequence is a silly girl compared with such a 
man ? Call her, I must go to the count. — Where’s the 
silver ewer, I don’t see it in his room ? ” 

‘‘ It would be very strange if you did, since the mare- 
chel de noblesse won it from you a week ago at the gaming 
table,” I scornfully replied. 

‘‘You are the incarnate — ” 

“ Satan,” I interrupted completing the sentence, “ don’t 
trouble yourself,! already know your agreeable phrases by 
heart. 

He went away, muttering various uncomplimentary 
words in his beard, and I turned into the dining-room 
to attend to the table, it did not occur to me to call Irene, 
she would receive the honor intended for her soon enough. 
The sakuska was placed on a side table, together with. 


The lonely manor 


101 


salt and smoked fish, caviare, and various kinds of liquors 
in large and small bottles. As I uncorked the rose nal- 
iffka, which had been in the cellar several years, its per- 
fume filled the room. Just at that moment the master 
of the house appeared on the threshold. 

“ And Irene ? ” he asked in a tone, that made me start 
His Excellency has been gracious enough to inquire for 
her again — must I bring her down myself ? ’’ 

‘‘ She hasn’t finished her toilette,” I answered with 
shameless disregard of truth, you can’t possibly ask her 
to appear half dressed. She will come down directly.” 
It was useless, I could delay no longer, though I earnestly 
desired that she should make her entrance leaning on her 
bridegroom’s arm. A strange foreboding told me, that 
no good fortune would result from this meeting. Valer- 
ian’s absence was incomprehensible, something must have 
happened to him on the way, only an accident could have 
caused the delay. If only he had sustained no injury, 
with Irene’s excitable nature a fright might be danger- 
ous. 

I went up stairs to inform her of her father’s com- 
mand. ‘‘ Be courteous, but dignified and reserved towards 
the count,” I said to her, “ show him that you are no child, 
but a lady, who has no occasion to sue for his favor. To 
you he is merely a guest in your house.”’ 

She clung to me and implored me to remain with her, 
she dreaded the eyes that would be fixed upon her on 
her entrance. 


102 


IRENE, OR 


1 feel so frightened, maman^ when you are not with 

me.” 

I called this timidity childish, but my heart was 
heavy enough — why had the count asked for her twice ? 
He had certainly seen her at the windows . I accompanied 
her to the drawing room door, which stood wide open. 
The threshold was crowded with our own and strange ser^ 
vants, feasting their eyes upon the company. The ladies 
were thickly rouged and wore low dresses, their hair, by 
means of pomade and powder, was arranged in huge tower- 
ing structures, their style and movements were vulgar 
and commonplace, although they asserted that they had 
studied the most polished society in Moscow. They 
strutted up and down like peacocks, waving their broad 
fans and casting side glances towards the upper and of 
the hall, where His Excellency the count stood, conversing 
wdth the gentlemen, who bowed deferentially at each of 
his gracious words and responded to his condescending 
jokes with shouts of laughter. His face seemed to me 
even more repulsive than it had done at the first glance. 
The gold chain that hung low on his breast supported a 
miniature of the Empress Catharine set with diamonds, 
a reward of his distinguished services, his powdered hair 
made the brow furrowed by lines of passion still more 
conspicuous, and the delicate lace of the cravat failed to 
soften the brutal character of the lower portion of the 
face. The broad shouldered, Herculean figure might 
look very well in uniform, but was not adapted to the 


THE LONEL Y MANOR. 


103 


court dress with diamond studs and the delicate hue of the 
embroidered satin vest. Stepan Petrovitsch, who had 
already turned his head several times impatiently towards 
the door, scarcely perceived the young girl, who still 
clung to me, when he hastened towards her, seized her 
hand, and led her to the count. 

Permit me Your Excellency, to present to you my 
daughter, Irinia Stepanovna, who will consider herself 
happy if you vouchsafe her a gracious glance.” 

Why did she look so bewilderingly beautiful at that 
moment? Why was it not in my power to lend her my 
old wrinkled face ? A flush of embarrassment and shame 
crimsoned her cheeks, her long lashes drooped over her 
eyes, giving them a sweet languishing expression. Never 
had the perfect symmetry of her beautiful figure been 
more apparent than in the rose colored dress, that fitted 
it so closely. 

The count’s eyes blazed with an expression of ardent 
admiration, he subdued his loud harsh voice and tried to 
assume as tender a tone as possible. 

Why fair lady” he said gallantly raising her hand 
to his lips, “ it is my place to sue for a gracious glance. 
How could you deprive us of your presence so long — 
you are cruel, Irene Stepanovna. Permit me to clasp 
around this white neck the ornament I destined for a 
wedding gift. If I had suspected what beauty I should 
find here I would have selected some thing far more 
costly.” 


104 


IRENE, OR 


He motion ea to his valet and drew from a small 
casket the latter handed him, an ornament set with rubies, 
which looked like drops of blood. 

141 show you that I understand how to adorn fair 
•ladies, as well as the most skilful maid,’’ he continued 
with a disagreeable smile, drawing the necklace through 
his fingers. 

Every trace of life had vanished from Irene’s face ; 
as if supported by some magic spell, she endured the 
basilisk gaze fixed upon her and helplessly allowed him 
to clasp the necklace, but at the touch of his hand trembled 
so violently, that I was afraid she would fall fainting on 
the floor. 

“Why are you so timid, Irene Stepanovna?” he 
asked, gloating over the poor child’s terror, “ are you 
afraid of me ? ” 

She raised her dark eyes to his, and even a stone 
might have been softened by their mute pleading. 

“ Where is your bridegroom ? ” he continued. 

She murmured a few unintelligible words, because 
her father made an angry gesture ; he was pulling his 
beard in rage, because his daughter behaved like a goose. 

“ He hasn’t yet arrived ? ” laughed the count, “ young 
lovers seem to be less ardent now, than they were in our 
time. We shouldn’t have thought of keeping a bride 
waiting, especially such a beautiful one. But I am very 
grateful to him and wish he might prolong his absence 
indefinitely. I should grudge him his place by your 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


106 


side, the lucky fellow doesn’t deserve his good for- 
tune.” 

Stepan Petrovitsch was fairly radiant with delight, 
he already had a glimpse of a rascally trick, which might 
perhaps relieve him from his perpetual money embar- 
rassments at a single stroke. 

His Excellency continued to pour forth compliments 
and flatteries, keeping his eyes fixed with the same dis- 
agreeable persistency upon his defenceless victim. 

The dishes, under whose weight the tables almost 
broke down, as according to the profuse custom of the 
country they were all set on at once, had meantime been 
brought in. Valerian had promised to arrive at ten, the 
company were to sit down to dinner at twelve, as he 
knew. What could, have detained him? I wanted to 
delay a short time, the people could not possibly be 
hungry, they had been swallowing tea, cake, and confec- 
tionary ever since early in the morning. Stepan Petro- 
vitsch was talking with several gentlemen, one of whom, 
a plain, honorable, universally respected man, was an 
acquaintance of mine and also on friendly terms with Mon- 
sieur Valerian. Unfortunately he seldom came to our 
house, because he did not like its master. 

Let us wait half an hour longer,” I said beseechingly 
to Stepan Petrovitsch, ‘‘it would be an insult to 
Valerian Maximitsch to sit down to dinner without 
him.” 

“Pauline Carlovna is right,” said old Gribinoff good- 


106 


IRENE, OR 


naturedly, ‘‘ a man doesn’t marry his daughter but once, 
and the bride and bridegroom are the principal person- 
ages at a wedding.” 

‘‘What has happened to Valerian Maximitsch ? ” 
asked another person. 

“ The young gentleman has overslept himself,” replied 
Irene’s father scornfully. 

“ Perhaps he has met with some accident,” observed 
a third. 

“ What accident could happen in driving only twenty 
versts ? ” 

“ One can fall down and break his neck while crossing 
his own courtyard,” was the philosophic answer. 

“ If that should be the case, he certainly couldn’t sit 
down to dinner,” cried Stepan Petrovitsch jeeringly. 

His Excellency approached the group and drew the 
master of the house into a corner. 

“ Let me represent the bridegroom,” he whispered, 
“By Heaven, I never saw so beautiful a girl. Why 
didn’t you tell me in time, what a treasure you had in 
your house?” Or did you want a beardless country 
nobleman for a son-in-law ? You’ve been a great fool ! ” 

Kudov’s face flushed crimson and his eyes almost 
started from their sockets, in his surprise at the dazzling 
prospect so suddenly opened before him. 

“ What was I to do,your Excellency ? The young 
man was in love with the girl, he belongs to a good 
lamily, has a fine estate, a large fortune — ” 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


107 


“ And you thought he would be a brilliant match ! I 
repeat it, youVe been a fool — if I had seen Irene Ste- 
panovna before, I would have asked whether Count 
Gregor Michailovitsch W. would be agreeable to you as 
a son-in-law ? ’’ 

“ Your Excellency is graciously disposed to jest with 
me — 

‘‘It is no jest. This last campaign has taxed my 
strength, my constitution can no longer endure a wild 
life. It’s time to select a nurse for my old age, besides I 
should like to have a son, an heir ; who, after my death, 
is to inherit the estates and wealth our august empress 
has bestowed upon me ? Who is to occupy my palace on 
the Blue Bridge ? You ought to see how magnificent it 
is, I imported every article of furniture from Paris. Yes, 
I intend to marry, I want a wife who pleases me, whose 
beauty will excite envy and admiration at court — Your 
daughter — it’s a pity it is to late ! ” 

“ Too late ? ” stammered the father, “ if your Excel- 
lence commands, it is never too late.” 

“ To be sure, they are not yet united by the church,” 
said the count thoughtfully, casting a cunning side glance 
at his friend. 

“ A betrothal, a mere betrothal, which is nothing at 
all, I have a right to break it, the match never suited me, 
the fellow isn’t at all to my taste, there’s no marrow in 
him, he never drinks, sits over his books, makes senti- 
mental speeches — ” 


108 


IRENE, OR 


He won’t draw back willingly.” 

“ Who will ask him ? When he comes, I’ll go to him 
and say : ‘ Be kind enough to drive home again, there 
will be no wedding.’ ” 

Then your daughter will clasp your knees and sob : 
‘ Have pity, dear father, or I shall die.’ The young man 
will rave like a maniac — ” 

‘‘ There are ways and means. Tears ought not to 
trouble your Excellency, besides Irinia Stepanovna will 
be wise enough to value the good fortune that has fallen 
to her from the skies. To be the wife of the famous 
general, the distinguished Count W., to live in a palace, 
appear at the court of the great Catherine — it wouldn’t 
surprise me if it turned her head. After a few days she’ll 
forget the milk face, as much as if he had never existed. 
That’s the way with women, they rave and tear their 
hair and then before one can turn round are perfectly 
happy and contented.” 

“We could probably manage her, the most important 
point is the way Valerian Maximitsch takes the affair. 
If he should prove refractory and afterwards come to St. 
Petersburg, to approach his former betrothed — you per- 
ceive it might involve me in difficulties. In the first 
place, I shouldn’t like to be betrayed by my young wife 
and exposed to the jeers of the court, and besides my 
enemies would not fail to bring the story to the ears of 
the empress, whose caprices are incalculable — a dangerous 
conspiracy might easily be formed against me.” 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


109 


Stepan i^etiovitsch looked cautiously arouna, to see 
that no listener was near, and said a few words which I 
could not understand, for his voice sank to a whisper. 
My blood froze in my veins. I had only caught frag- 
ments of the conversation, but their connection was easily 
understood. 

Merciful God,could the human soul reach such an abyss 
of depravity. Must not Heaven send a thunderbolt to 
destroy these fiendish plans? I was convinced that Vale- 
rian would not suffer his betrothed bride to be dragged 
from him at the very steps of the altar, his sleeping energy 
would awake and he would defend what was dearest to 
him with the courage of a lion. 

I must w^arn him, reveal the plots that threaten him. 
Was there no place where I could conceal Irene from 
the rude clutch of those blood-stained hands ? No, I was 
defenceless, defenceless as in this world the weak always 
are against the strong ! 

My eyes grew dim, my knees tottered, I was forced 
to sit down in a chair, that I might not fall. Kind hearted 
old Gribinoff said sympathizingly. 

“ What is the matter, Pauline Carlovna, you are as 
i white as if you had seen a ghost ? ’’ 

! I seized his arm and pressing it convulsively, gasped : 

“ You’ll help us ? You are the only honest man among 
i all these people.” 

‘‘ If it is in my power,” he answered with a compas^ 
sionate shrug of the shoulder, ‘‘ he seemed to understand 


no 


IRENE, OR 


my meaning. The count’s unconcealed admiration and 
marked attention to Irene had not escaped the notice of 
the guests. When, raising his voice, he offered to take 
the seat destined for the absent bridegrom, an eager 
whispering arose among the women, each of whom envied 
my poor child ; not one of the hard cold faces showed 
one trace of pity or sympathy. 

I was still sitting helplessly in my corner, when they 
all passed into the dining room, the count in advance 
with Irene, who walked beside him like an automaton. 
I soon heard the rattling of plates and glasses, mingled 
with peals of laughter. Had I not had a bad dream ? 
Was it possible that a crime would be committed among 
this gay company ? The wish might exist, but surely no 
one would venture on its execution. My overweening love 
for the child had led me to give a threatening interpreta- 
tion to cynical remarks. In any case, I would whisper 
a word of warning to Valerian — if the priest had not been 
such a miserable, cowardly wight, I would have managed 
to have the betrothed couple disappear from the throng 
for half an hour and be hastily married, with Gribinoff and 
myself for witnesses. When the priest had once pro- 
nounced the blessing, the church itself, which does not 
permit a marriage to be lightly sundered, would protect 
them. 

I went into the dining room, which was a scene of 
great confusion. The numerous servants moving to and 
fro increased the crowd, it was really difficult to force 


THE L ONEL Y MANOR. 


Ill 


one’s way through the throng. A hot, sultry atmosphere 
filled the room, the odors of the various dishes mingled 
with the fumes of wine, cordials and mead. The count and 
Irene were seated at the head of the table, his face was 
flushed, he was talking eagarly to her and had seized her 
hand; which he kissed several times. Her eyes were 
cast down, from time to time a burning blush suffused 
her face, she scarely ventured to breath, and the plate 
before her remained untouched. My fears returned with 
redoubled violence. 

Just at that moment I heard Valerian’s voice outside 
and he hastily entered, his right arm was in a sling, his 
face pale and distorted with pain. He gave me no time 
to speak. 

‘‘Don’t be anxious about me and soothe Irene,” 
he said in an agitated tone, “ nothing serious has happen- 
ed, the involuntary delay was terribly annoying. Half 
way here one of the wheels of my new carriage broke, 
the horses took fright, dragged us for some distance, and 
finally threw us into a ditch. Andra, poor fellow, was 
badly injured by the hoofs of the frantic animals, I fear 
he won’t survive. My arm was dislocated so I could 
give little assistance ; but I couldn’t leave him lying help- 
less in the ditch, so I sent the footman, who remained un- 
hurt, back to Malinovka to get a carriage and servants. 
The surgeon came at once and set my arm in the nearest 
hut — but unfortunately it occasioned a delay of two 
hours.” 


112 


IRENE, Ok 


‘‘How are yon, Valerian Maximitsch ? ” echoed on 
all sides. Those nearest, in whom the strong drink had 
produced a very affectionate frame of mind, embraced 
him and kissed him on both cheeks, while others held out 
their brimming glasses, from which he was expected to 
sip, ere they were drained to his health. His eyes sought 
Irene. It did not disturb him to see the count beside 
her, this place of honor was his due, as the most distin- 
guished guest, but he was justly wounded not to find the 
seat on her other side vacant — was he to be separated 
from his betrothed bride on this day ? However, as it was 
Stepan Petrovitsch who occupied it, he thought the latter 
had only taken it for a time and would rise as soon as 
the bridegroom appeared. He v/as mistaken, Rudov did 
not rise, he scarcely vouchsafed his future son-in-law a 
careless nod, and when Irene attempted to staid; up and 
go to her lover, seized her rudely by the arm and with 
an angry glance hissed : 

“ You wonT stir from this place.” To the young man 
he said haughtily over his shoulder. “ I really thought we 
should be compelled to renounce the honor of your com- 
pany, Valerian Maximitsch, you don’t seem to have been 
in any hurry, Irene has good reason to feel offended. 
Perhaps you can find a chair farther down.” 

“ He who comes too late loses his rights,” said the 
count with a scornful laugh, bending so close to the young 
girl, that his lips almost touched her shoulder. 

“ He is wounded, let me go to him ! ” she exclaimed 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


118 


with startling energy, but her father’s flashing eyes par- 
alyzed her will. 

‘‘ A scrateh, he said contemptuously,” the young gen- 
tleman probably brushed against a tree.” 

Valerian did not know how to understand these words* 
Were they rude jests, or was his intended father-in-law 
usually by no means punctilious in regard to matters of 
etiquette, really offended by his late arrival ? The wine 
had probably gone to his head, and in this condition he 
required cautious treatment. The guests were fully oc- 
cupied in eating, drinking, and talking — there was such a 
noise in the low room, that one was obliged to shriek in 
order to be heard by his next neighbor — only those near 
est to the group noticed the incident, and they thought 
it an excellent joke to separate the bride-groom from his 
bride. 

“I’ll tell you what, Yalmuan Maximitsch,” said a 
red-nosed country nobleman, whose better half in the 
course of years had developed into a mountain of flesh,” 
after marriage one is glad enough to shake off his wife 
for a while, the fire soon dies out, very soon.” 

As Stephan Petrovitsch seemed by no means disposed 
to give the young man his rightful seat, the latter, to 
avoid angry discussions, was forced to take the chair 
which had been left empty at the lower end of the table. 
He thus happened to sit beside a relative of the master of 
the house, an elderly, spiteful old maid, who revenged 
herself for the neglect bestowed upon her by the world, 


114 


IRENE, OR 




by making venomous speeches. She hated Stepan Petro- 
vitsch particularly, because he, whom most people still 
supposed to be rich, would not even give her a yearly 
stipend of a few roubles, and still more because he called 
her a dried up old monkey. 

“ Well, my dear boy,’’ she said, twisting her toothless 
mouth in a scornful smile, “ I pity you for being obliged 
to content yourself with me. Yes, that’s the way things 
happen in this life, instead of Irene Stepanovna, the fool- 
ish old cousin ! But you must surely be delighted to see 
how His Excellency the Count, whose august presence 
has turned the head of your father-in-law, as well as those 
of all the men in the company, devotes himself to your 
betrothed bride. To be sure, a plain country nobleman 
would’nt allow another person to take possession of wife 
or bride without ceremony, but in fashionable society, in 
St. Petersburg, it must be the latest style. You who have 
received a fashionable education, doubtless do not find it 
unpleasant.” 

Meantime I had approached Monsieur Valerian^ the 
spiteful old maid kept her little bird’s eyes fixed upon 
us and pricked her ears like a hunting hound. I could 
not say a word that she would not have heard. 

“ Is your arm very painful ? ” I asked, cautiously 
touching the injured limb and smoothing the bandage. 
While so doing, with a skill that would have done honor 
to a lover, I slipped between the folds of the silk hand- 
kerchief a scrap of paper, on which I had scrawled with 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


115 


a lead pencil : “ They want to snatch Irene from you, be 
on your guard ! ’’ 

He replied with a significant glance, that one spot 
pained him very much — pointing to the place where I had 
just concealed the note — ^but he hoped it would soon pass 
off. 

^ It must be cured before to-morrow,^’ said the old 
maid, “ how are you to be married, if you can’t use your 
right hand ? ” 

“ The dinner seemed as if it would never end, the 
guests showed unwearied endurance in devouring the 
various dishes, roast mutton, fat veal, huge fish — all dis- 
appeared in their fathomless stomachs. There were only 
two at the table, who eat nothing : Irene and Valerian. 
They could only express their feeling by their looks — ah ! 
it cut me to the heart to see those two dear children sac- 
rificed to brutal violence. V aldrian from his birth had 
been one of those unfortunate mortals, who are said to 
be born under an unlucky star. His mother had often 
told me, how when a little child he had almost starved to 
death because six nurses, one after the other, had proved 
unworthy, his nursery governesses and tutors, after a 
short time, invariably developed qualities which led to 
their speedy dismissal ; every childish disease took a dan- 
gerous turn, he had lost his father before his birth, his 
mother was snatched away in the prime of life, his re- 
maining relatives, all excellent people died young — he 
had no luck. He often jested about his guignon^^^ as 


116 


[RENE, OR 


he called it, but Irene and I noticed, that the laugh did 
not come from his heart and he could not resist a dread 
of impending misfortune. 

The company rose from the table, the flushed, partly 
intoxicated guests streamed out of the room, the be. 
trothed pair could at last exchange a few words, a pres- 
sure of the hand. 

‘‘Valerian, I am afraid! whispered the young girl, 
leaning her head on his shoulder, “ I should like to be far, 
far away. If I were once with you in Malinovka — this 
count — 

“ Has he dared to say anything to offend you ? ’’ ex- 
claimed Valerian, with suppressed fury. A dark flush 
crimsoned his handsome young face. 

“I donT know,^’ she moaned, “ when he speaks tome, 
I have a terrible feeling of pain, which almost deprives 
me of consciousness. I hear his voice coming to me, as 
if he stood on the other side of a rushing water fall, 
and see nothing but Are and blood before my eyes — He 
is terrible, keep away from him, I beseech you, I should 
die if any quarrel arose between you ! I feel so sad 
and anxious — I never imagined this day would pass 
so ! ^ 

They stood side by side a moment unnoticed by the 
crowd ; he put his arm around her and kissed her almost 
solemnly, as if to say : I am here and will protect you ! 
The two innocent children ! May God never forgive those 
who crushed these beautiful human flowers. If I should 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


117 


be forced to go down to the hell, of which the priests 
speak, I would willingly allow myself to be burned by its 
flames, if I were only sure that these atrocious wretches 
would be tortured by the sharpest pangs. 

Owing to the dark rainy weather, the rooms which re- 
ceived little light through the small windows, had grown 
dark early. The gipsy band were already tuning their 
instruments, the lamps were lighted, the chairs pushed 
aside, every one was waiting for the dancing to begin. 
Good Heavens, what a nation ! Just from a dinner where 
the ladies had eateii more than peasants could do in my 
country, they wanted to whirl around at once. These 
iron constitutions did not allow themselves a moments 
rest, every pleasure was carried to excess. And my re- 
fined, delicate child, who had grown up under my care 
like a flower, to be in the midst of this throng ! Although 
I had lived among them more than a quarter of a century 
I had never been able to accustom myself to this barbaric 
mode of life, the sharp contrasts in which it abounded* 
The ragged, unwashed gipsies appeared amid the gaily 
dressed company and took their seats on a few benches 
at the back of the hall. Ladies in brocade dresses, with 
diamonds on their hearts, and gentlemen in uniform 
danced to the music played by these long haired fellows 
whose lean brown limbs appeared through all the holes 
in their torn garments. 

Irene and Valerian had only talked together a few 
minutes, when Rudov came for his daughter. Never 


118 


IRENE, OR 


since her birth, had he troubled himself so much about 
her as within the last few hours. 

“ You are entirely neglecting your duties as hostess, 
a peasant girl couldn’t behave more rudely, is this the re- 
sult of the education upon which Madame Laurent prides 
herself so much?” he said, pushing her away from 
Valdrian. “ Go and join the young girls, who are going 
to dance.” 

Allow me to take Irene into the room ; if she after- 
wards accepts other partners, it is the custom for the be- 
trothed couple to open the ball.” 

‘‘ Well depart from the custom,” replied Stepan Pet- 
rovitsch dryly, ‘‘ I give the tone in my own house. Irene 
will remain in the room and not pull a long face ” — this 
was accompanied with a sinister glance — ‘‘ and you will 
have the goodness to follow me into my own apartment, 
where I wish to discuss various matters without being 
overheard by others.” 

I caught these words and saw the evil expression 
lurking around his mouth. Du courage^^ I whispered 
to Valerian, show yourself a man, defend yourself to 
the uttermost.” 

He turned pale, not because his courage failed, but 
because it suddenly became clear, that he was about to 
enter upon a struggle, whose result must decide the hap- 
piness of his life. The change had happened too sud- 
denly, he was still unable to collect his thoughts and see 
the full extent of the danger. The gentlemen left the 


TIf£: LOIY£L.y MAJYOR, 


119 


room and goon after the count disappeared. My anxiety 
increased every second. 

The* flusli had faded from Irene’s cheeks, she felt that 
some vague danger was drawing nearer and nearer ; her 
imploring glance called me to her, as with a sorrowful 
smile on her lips, she whirled past me on the arm of an 
officer. I could not go to her, I was obliged first of all 
to learn what was passing between the three. And 
meantime the servants were constantly running to me 
with a thousand questions : 

Pauline Carlovna, the housekeeper says the eggs are 
almost gone.” 

“ Pauline Carlovna, the cook wishes to know whether 
he shall send the ham to the table cold or hot ? ” 

‘‘ Are the guests’ servants to have any kwas, Pauline 
Carlovna ? ” 

I had ruled the house for many years, I could not al- 
low anything to be lacking without incurring the reproach 
of having failed in my duty. No sooner had I provided 
the necessary articles, then I hurried to the other end of 
the house, in which was Stepan Petrovitsch’s sitting 
room. I crept noiselessly to the door, which was locked. 
I could hear nothing, the thick walls smothered every 
sound. I remembered there was a closet adjoining the 
apartment, which could also be reached from the billiard 
room. This alcove was never entered and only used to 
store chests and trunks. I ran up to look for the key 
and fortunately soon found it. Cautiously turning it ir 


120 


IRENE, OR 


the look, I glided into the little dark closet, which was 
separated from Petrovitsch’s room only by a thin parti- 
tion, in which there were several holes. I could overlook 
the lighted apartment. Valerian was leaning with his 
uninjured arm on the table in the middle of the room, 
Rudov stood opposite, and the count was seated on the 
sofa. 

“ You will not ? ’’ cried Stepan Petrovitsch furiously. 

‘‘No, a thousand times no ! ” exclaimed the young 
man, whose bearing expressed the most fearless decision. 
“ How can you expect me to do a thing unworthy of a 
nobleman, a base, rascally act? You ask me to give up 
a bride, whom I idolize, and who returns my love, at the 
moment when I am about to appear with her before the 
altar ! This is worse than madness ! What would people 
think, if it were said ; ‘ Valerian Maximitsch has changed 
his mind, he will not marry Irene Stepanovna.’ ” 

“ That doesn’t concern you, I’ll break the engagement) 
it no longer suits me.” 

Valerian’s blue eyes flashed, and he drew his slight 
figure up to its full height. 

“You can deal with your serfs in this way, a noble- 
man does not accept such insults unavenged. I insist 
upon your giving me your reasons for this unprecedented 
conduct and repeating them before the assembled com* 
pany, that my honor may remain untarnished — And even 
this won’t satisfy me,” he continued in a more vehement 
tone, “ Irene must decide, I will hear from her own lips 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


121 


whether she voluntarily breaks a bond, that has been 
formed by the most ardent love. I will not leave her 
defenceless to your despotic power, what do you want to 
do with her ? Sell her, stake her on the hazard of a card? 
Answer ! ’’ he cried, stamping his foot, “ what do you 
mean to do with her ? 

An outburst of passion from a person of quiet, gentle 
nature always makes a terrible impression, it is something 
for which no one is prepared. 

Rudov had not anticipated any such energetic oppo- 
sition. He turned towards the count, who was twirling 
his gold snuff box between his fingers and seemed to have 
remained silent until now. 

‘‘Do you hear this madman. Your Excellency? Is it 
possible to talk reason with him ? He wants to make a 
scene, which will bring all the guests.” 

“ Tell the young gentleman you have made a different 
disposal of your daughter’s hand,” rei^lied the latter, 
leaning carelessly back and crossing one leg over the 
other, “ perhaps he will then understand, that his nicest 
course is to return home at once.” 

With all his brazen effrontery, the other cast down 
his eyes in confusion, now that he was forced to utter 
his base design in plain words. The young man with the 
waving hair, the milk face, had almost intimidated him 
he had been prepared for entreaties, protestations, and 
complaints, but not this manly resistance. 

“Be good enough to remember, my dear sir,” he 


122 


IRENE* OR 


began, that you were never welcome to me as a son-in- 
law ; if that old dragon, Pauline Carlovna, had not been 
daily dinning the engagement into my ears, I should 
never have given my consent. The objections I always 
had have now become stronger — ’’ 

“What objections? Since when? Name them!’* 
exclaimed Valerian furiously. 

“ What would be the use ? ” replied the older man 
coarsely, “ Pve no inclination to repeat them — you are 
too young for a father to be able with a clear conscience 
to entrust his child to you.** 

The hypocrite ! The worthless liar. He talked of 
his paternal duties, his conscience ! 

“ You knew exactly how old I was, when I asked for 
Irene’s hand.” 

“Yes, yes, for Heaven’s sake don*t repeat the same 
old stories, a man often does things he afterwards regrets 
— And why should T justify myself to you ? ’* he contin- 
ued angrily, “ His Excellency has been gracious enough 
to take a fancy to the girl, he wants to make her his wife 
— I hope you will now see, my good fellow, that your 
role of bridegroom is over — ’* 

Valerian gazed at the count with dilated eyes, it 
seemed incredible, such an insolent mockery of the most 
sacred things was inconceivable. 

“ You ! *’ he burst forth in so powerful a voice, that 
even the distinguished gentleman on the sofa started, 
“you dare to fix your impure thoughts ujDon Irene! 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


123 


Don’t you know that she abhors you, that you inspire 
her with horror? All the terrors her fancy has ever 
conjured up she connects with your name — she will 
never become your wife, she would rather endure the 
most torturing death.” 

Women are not anxious to die, when a brilliant fu- 
ture opens before them,” replied the count, his stern 
bronze face assuming a very disagreeable expression, 
‘‘ and the horror the beautiful Irene Stepanovna feels, 
will soon disappear, when she finds I can vie with the 
most tender lover.” 

Two scarlet spots appeared on the young man’s fore- 
head. 



‘‘ And you will carry this shameless 


here in the midst of a numerous company? ” he,said in a 
hoarser tone. 

You are very inexperienced, Valerian Maximitsch, 
there is not one of the guests who will not envy Stepan 
Petrovitsch the honor I show him. Who is to stand in 
my way ? ” 

I ! ” cried the young man, making a movement as if 
to rush upon the count, his strength seemed to have in- 
creased ten fold, for he hurled Rudov, who attempteduJb6 
restrain him into the corner like a child. “ If you steal 
my treasure like a robber, I will defend myself as I would 
against a robber. Either you or I ! I’ll shoot you down 
like a mad wolf, even in the church ! Oh ! don’t cast an- 
gry glances at me ! You will not frighten me. I’ll raise 


124 


IRENE, OR 


my voice till it reaches the empress, who allows even her 
favorites to commit no crimes, you would not be the first 
to be hurled from a high position/^ 

“ Don’t listen to the mad man, your Excellency ! ” ex- 
claimed Rudov, ‘‘ he’s an incarnate devil. I’ll have him 
driven away by my dogs.” 

“ Count W. had risen, his tall figure towered above 
Valerian’s, arrogance and malice struggled for the mas- 
tery in his features, as he said : 

‘‘Very well, you won’t give up your supposed right, 
so we will decide the matter, not like women, with words, 
but like men, with arms in our hands. I’ll do you the 
honor of fighting with you. I, Field Marshal Count W. 
with you, tli^iMsignificant country nobleman, your threats 
can only extort a smile. Do you know how far it is to 
St. Petersburg? Just a thousand versts, and at every 
station where you change horses, it will cost me only a 
word to have you thrown into a prison, from whence you 
would set out on the journey to Siberia. But I am 
generous enough not to make use of the power bestowed 
by my rank. I will fight with you as if you were my 
equal, and that I may have no advantage, as your right 
arm is useless, will also fire with my left.” 

It was not enough to tear the heart out of his breast 
— they wanted to murder him too. 

“Blood ! Yes, I must see your blood! ” cried Vale- 
rian passionately, “let us place the pistols at each other’s 
breasts, that the bullets may not miss their aim.” 


THE LONELY MANOR 


125 


‘‘ I too desire the shortest possible distance/' replied 
the count coldly, “ we’ll go into the billiard-room and 
shoot across the table. Stephen Petrovisch will be my 
second, yours will not be difficult to find. I always carry 
pistols with me, my valet will bring them.” 

So the horrible thing had happened and I was con- 
demned to witness it, it was too late to leave my hiding 
place, as the gentlemen were to proceed at once to the 
billiard-room. For one moment I thought of throwing 
myself on my knees before Irene’s father and beseeching 
him not to condemn his child to eternal misery. But he 
would not have listened to an angel’s voice, the count 
had excited his avarice, he already saw himself once more 
in a position to gratify all his vicious tastes. 

I had not closed the door entirely, so through the 
chink I could obtain a tolerable view of what was passing. 
The quarter of an hour required to make the necessary 
prepartions elapsed in complete silence. The count 
paced up and down the room with a heavy tread, Stepan 
Petrovitsch loaded the pistols. Valerian, who had said 
that he wished to make some disposal of his property in 
case of his death, sat at a side table writing. 

From the ceiling hung a smoking oil lamp, which cast 
a dim light through the spacious apartment, the storm 
raged outside, the rain plashed against the windows, 
ever and anon, when the doors of the dancing hall were 
opened, the shrill notes of the violins echoed on the 


126 


IRENE, OR 


stillness. Yonder the guests were merry making, and 
here — 

The count^s valet entered with an officer, who had 
been told nothing except His Excellency wished to see 
him a moment. Rudov went to meet him and drawing 
him into a corner, whispered a few words. I understood 
that he spoke of a quarrel which had occurred between 
His Excellency and Valdrian Maximitsch, the latter had 
unfortunately permitted himself to make several disre- 
spectful remarks, which the noble gentleman could not 
suffer to pass unpunished ; instead of giving the thought- 
less young fellow a well deserved chastisement, he had 
been gracious enough to consent to fight with him. The 
officer of course assented to Rudov’s opinion, was indig- 
nant at Valerian’s insolence, and admired His Excelle- 
ency’s magnanimity, but declared himself ready to act as 
the formers second. 

I had never prayed much during my whole life, on 
earth I had witnessed nothing but the defeat and martyr- 
dom of the good, the insolent triumph of the wicked — 
how was I to believe in a just, loving God, who gov- 
erned the world with a wise and benevolent hand. The 
prospect of a reward in the other world, which our priests 
so lavishly promise, had never been a consolation to me. 
I did not understand why it should be necessary for peo- 
ple to nourish themselves on hunger and calamity, in order 
to taste the joys of Paradise. This world was very real 
and practical, the other vague and misty. To be honest. 


THE L ONEL Y MANOR, 


127 


I was a skeptic ; I did my duty according to my ability, 
because I thought I owed it to my human dignity, and 
desired no other happiness than a death sleep so sound, 
that I should not be aroused by the miserable bustle of 
this world. 

But when imprisoned in this dark little room, help- 
lessly watching the progress of events, knowing that tJiis 
blow would destroy the happiness of my beloved child, 
some irresistible power drew me down upon my knees. 
Like the simple peasant in the church, I bowed my fore- 
head to the ground and prayed from the inmost depths 
of my heart, that God, if. He were really omnipotent, 
would put a stop to this evil deed and protect the two 
children, whose only fault was their pure, fervent love. 

“ Are you ready ? I heard the count ask coldly. I 
cautiously approached the crack in the door, that I might 
see and hear. 

Valmian folded a sheet of paper and drawing a seal 
ring from his finger, pressed it on the wax that closed 
the letter. 

“ I should like to say a few words to my servant, he 
observed turning to Stepan Petrovitsch, ‘‘ be kind enough 
to send for him.” 

“ I beg you to avoid everything, that could make a 
scene,” replied Rudov angrily, ‘‘ hitherto no one suspects 
this unpleasant affair, whose possibly mournful result you 
you have to attribute solely to your own obstinacy.” 

‘‘ Be assured that the house, which contains Irene, is 


/ 


128 IRENE, Ok 

too sacred, in spite of all that has happened, for me to 
attract any more witnesses. I merely wish to give my ser- 
vant an order.’’ He was grave and calm, his youthful 
features seemed to be more sharply out-lined, as if he had 
suddenly grown older. Perhaps God would guide his 
hand and the bullet would reach his shameless enemy Yet 
then he would have slain a grand seigneur^ a famous gen- 
eral, the courts would take up the affair, he would be con- 
demned, sent to Siberia like a common criminal — there 
was no escape for the unhappy youth. 

The gentlemen had already taken their places on each 
side of the brilliard table, the uninitiated might suppose to 
play a game — ay a bloody game. 

Valerian stood with his back towards me; when his 
servant, Petia, who was also his foster brother, entered, 
he retired with him close to the door behind which I was 
concealed. 

You see this letter,” he said in a low tone, “ as soon 
as you leave this room, go directly to the chamber occu* 
pied by Pauline Carlovna, the French governess, and put 
it on her writing desk, where she will see it at once. Do 
you understand ? ” 

‘‘ Yes, Valerian Maximitsch.” 

Do you swear to obey my order without delay ? ” 

“ I swear,” replied the servant crossing himself, and 
evidently feeling a sense of uneasiness at the solemn 
words. At a sign from his master, he left the room. 

A letter for me ! I might have put my hand through 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


129 


the chink and taken it, no doubt it contained important 
directions, whose execution he confided to me. 

Stepan Petrovitsch now bolted the door, the count 
and Valerian removed their coats and vests, the hercu- 
lean figure of one, the slight youthful frame of the other, 
were distinctly visible under the thin linen shirts. There 
was a death like silence, interrupted only by the notes of 
the violins. I fancied I could see Irene in her pink 
dress, as her dark eyes wandered around the ball room 
in search of her lover. 

“ Do you agree to the conditions ? ” the officer asked 
Valerian. 

The latter made a sign of assent. 

‘‘ 1 suppose this is your first duel ? ” said the other 
confidentially. 

“ My first/’ 

“Then keep your hand steady and aim carefully, 
riie count is a famous shot, it’s really an honor to fight 
your first duel with such an enemy — To be sure, it is un- 
[ortunate that you must hold your i)istol in your left 
Hand, it requires practice to fire steadily.” 

“I ask you once more. Valerian Maximitsch,” said 

Count W. to the young man, “ will you listen to reason? 

Stepan Petrovitscli’s determination is unalterable, you 

cam ot under any circumstanc(^s induce him to change it. 

If y -Li will promise to take no steps, either now or later, 

jO ' .store the broken tie, the insults to me will be forgot- 

uer ind you can return home unmolested.” 

9 


ISO 


IRENE, OR 


“ I will assert to my last breath tne rignt you trample 
under foot,” replied Valerian with quivering lips, ‘‘ only 
brute force shall induce me to yield to the murderer of 
Otschakoo.” 

The dim red light of the smoking oil lamp fell on the 
two mortal enemies. On one side the man of fifty-six, 
with his hard, unyielding features, which expressed the 
habit of despotic authority, cruelty, and sensualism, on 
the other the slender youth, whose fair waving locks 
formed a halo around his head. Both had raised their 
pistols, the elder man’s face wore a disagreeable, trium- 
phant smile, which boded nothing good. The seconds 
counted : one — two — three” — and before they said : 

fire ! ” two — no, one shot rang on the air. The other 
came a few seconds later and crashed through the win- 
dow pane, the hand that sent it was no longer steady — 
Valerian staggered back — Forgetting everything I threw 
open the door : “ Murderer ! ” I shrieked to the count, 
who still stood with uplifted weapon, and raised the dy- 
ing man, whose pale face I supported on my heart. The 
white shirt was crimsoned with the droi3S of blood that 
oozed slowly from the wound, the shot had been well 
aimed — it had pierced his heart. The unfortunate youth 
opened his dim eyes and recognized her^ who bent over 
him, his lips moved convulsively, as if he were making 
the greatest exertion to utter a word — it was all in vain, 
but I understood the meaning of the imploring gaze he 


THE LOAEL Y MANOR. 


131 


fixed upon me. I placed my lips close to his ear and 
whispered : 

‘‘I will remain with Irene till my death, come what 
may ! ” 

Something like a smile fl:itted over his face, he uttered 
a sigh and expired. 

“The old Frenchwoman! The devil brought her 
here!” cried Stepan Petrovitsch at my unexpected ap- 
pearance. But the majesty of death exerted its influence 
over the hardened sinner, he dared not approach the dy- 
ing man, whom I was trying with my feeble arms to lift 
on the sofa. 

“ The duel took place in strict compliance with the 
rules, was it not so ? ’’ he asked hastily, turning to the 
officer, who was looking around him with a puzzled ex- 
pression. “ In case of necessity, you can bear witness 
to the fact. Duels often have an unfortunate termination, 
the young fool ran to his death of his own accord — you 
heard the conciliatory words his Excellency addressed 
to him at the last moment.’’ 

“Yes indeed, yes indeed,” the officer quickly replied, 
“ the duel was perfectly fair, though its result is greatly 
to be regretted.” 

“ Therefore it will be best to keep the affair secret 
for the present,” observed the count, “ the guests need 
know nothing about it. It won’t restore the young man 
to life, to have everybody discuss the matter — It will 


IRENE, OR 


r2 

prove no detriment to your promotion, if you are dis- 
creet/’ 

The officer made a military salute and replied ; I un- 
derstand, Your Excellency.” 

“ What shall we do with the dying man — he can’t 
stay here,” whispered Rudov, glancing timidly at me. 

“Put him in his carriage and let him be driven 
home,” said the count, “ his servants can bury him. He 
has no relatives, I believe?” 

“ I know of none, tliey must be very distant.” 

“ They won’t trouble themselves about him, even if 
they ever hear of his death, they perhaps live on the 
frontiers of the empire — Make haste, StejDan Petro- 
vitsch, we must take advantage of this time, whOe peo- 
ple are occupied at the other end of the house; order 
the horses to be harnessed, you and the captain can carry 
him to the carriage.” 

These words were rapidly exchanged, while I knelt 
beside Valerian and received his last sigh. Rudov and 
the officer obeyed the count’s orders, they were not sorry 
to leave a room which contained a corpse. The general, 
who was accustomed to ride over battle fields, careless 
wlietlier his horse’s hoofs crushed the wounded, knew no 
feeling of dread. He approached me. 

“ Liston, Madame,” he said imperiously, seizing my 
hand to raise me from the floor. I pushed him back. 
“Murderer ! ” I exclaimed, “ I witnessed the deed. You 


THE LONELY MANOR 


133 


fired before the signal was given, you basely murdered 
him ! ” 

‘‘Beware of repeating this slander, Madame, it might 
cost you too dear, the seconds can swear that no irregu- 
larity occurred ; in a duel both parties must be prepared 
to lose their lives — you will keep yonr absurd fancies to 
yourself — do you understand?’^ 

I gazed at him silently, this stern, iron man crushed 
all resistance. 

“You are, I believe, a woman of great energy, you 
can accomplish what you desire. I beg you to impress 
my words upon your mind — Irene Stepanovna will be- 
come my wife — ” 

“Never!” I passionately exclaimed, “ she will die, 
rather than marry the man who killed her lover.” 

“Nonsense,” he harslily interrupted, “the young 
man’s fate will be concealed from her — who is to tell her 
the story ? As an obedient daughter, she must submit 
to her father’s will, she will be married to me to-morrow 
and directly after the ceremony I shall set out for St. 
Petersburg — there she will soon forget her melancholy 
j whims. You are devoted to Irene Stepanovna and would 
consider a separation from her the greatest misfortune ; 

, if you will promise to maintain the most complete silence 
in regard to what has happened here, to let no word, no 
look betray it, I will permit you to remain with Irene. 

; You can accompany her and live in my house, on condi- 
tion that you exert all your influence to reconcile her to 


134 


IRENE, OR 


her fate. Refuse to accept my proposal, and this very 
night I will have you put into a telega* and transported 
to a lonely estate I possess in the province of Orenburg 
There you can end your days. So chose ! The girl will 
be mine, though Heaven itself should interfere 1 ’’ 

The struggle I endured was a terrible one, hatred and 
loathing almost threatened to stifle me, I literally could 
not force my lips to utter a sound, I felt as if an iron 
hand were clutching my throat. What could I, a poor, 
feeble foreigner, do to protect the darling of my heart ? 
The only thing, that could in any degree soften her lot, 
would be my love, my faithful affection. She could lay 
her weary head on the breast of her old nurse and give 
vent to her despair in tears ; she would have one creature 
near her on whom she could implicitly depend, with whom 
she could speak of the past, of Valerian. And had not his 
glazing eyes asked this sacrifice of me ? Yes, it was my 
duty not to desert my beloved child, I must at least pre- 
tend to conquer my horror, my fierce hatred. If I had 
been indespensable to her tender youth, how much more 
so I should become from this hour. 

“ I will do what you ask, I will be silent,” I faltered 
with trembling lips. 

‘‘ I thought you could act like a sensible 2 >erson. Now 
go to Irene and if she asks for her bridegroom, tell her he 
has gone away because he had a quarrel with Stepan 


* Cart used in Russia 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


135 


Petrovitsch about money affairs — invent some plausible 
excuse.’^ 

I bent for the last time over the still face of the dead, 
pressed a kiss on the cold brow, and cut a soft fair curl 
from the young head — perhaps a time might come when 
I could give her this dear memento. 

What more have I to tell ? My eyes are so dim with 
tears, I can scarcely see what I am writing. 

When I returned to the ballroom, where the dancers, 
with flushed faces, were whirling in raj)id circles, and 
both masters and servants, in consequence of large pota- 
tions of wine and liquors, were mingling in motley con- 
fusion, Irene escaping from her partner’s arm, rushed 
towards me. Her beautiful face expressed the most 
terrible anxiety. 

“Where is Valerian?” she whispered breathlessly, 
clutching my hand and fixing her large dark eyes wildly 
on my face. 

My tongue seemed paralyzed, and my throat felt closed. 

“What is the matter, ma Some accident has 

happened, you look terribly disturbed. Where is Valer- 
ian ? ” she repeated still more urgently. 

“ On the way to Malinovka,” I faltered, “ compose 
yourself, my dear child, your father has had a violent 
scene with him, which caused an open breach. The wed- 
ding will be deferred, if not — you must submit to your 
fate, remember that parents have unlimited power over 
their children — ” 


136 


IRENE, OR 


“ Valerian has gone, without taking leave of me?” she 
asked impatiently. “ You are concealing the truth ! ” 

I drew her into a corner and whispered tender, loving 
words — I know not what I said, but vaguely recollect 
having spoken of sorrows and trials, which no life can be 
spared, of the measure of suffering allotted to each indivi- 
dual. 

She did not seem to understand the meaning of my 
words, her features were rigid, her eyes glittered with a 
strange, restless light, and she sat motionless with clasped 
hands, as if paralysed. The couples danced past us, the 
gipsies violins shrieked in shrill, piercing tones, glasses 
clinked — a madder tumult could not have reigned 
in hell. Then Stepan Petrovitsch and the count made 
their way through the crowd towards us. His excellency 
had put on the court dress of silver brocade with its 
diamond buttons, and the miniature of the great Catharine 
once more adorned his breast. 

‘‘ Here, my little daughter,” said the father, ‘‘ I bring 
you a bridegroom, who will please you better. Yes, open 
your eyes in amazement, you never ventured to dream of 
such an honor. You will be Her Excellency the Countess 
and ride in a gilded coach, I hope you won’t look down 
condescendingly upon your papa — Give His Excellency 
the betrothal kiss.” 

The count put out his arm to draw the beautiful girl 
who had suddenly inspired him with so violent a passion, 
closer to him — but she shrank back, her eyes dilated, and 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


137 


she stared fixedly at a small, dark red spot visible on the 
silver brocade — A shudder, that made her teeth chatter 
audibly, shook her delicate frame. 

Blood ! she shrieked, “ blood ! He has killed Valer- 
ian ! ’’ and fell fainting on the floor. 

Her father raised her and carried her to her room, 
where he laid her on the bed and left her alone with me. 
The gayety had been interrupted only a moment. Irinia 
Stepanovna has fainted, it was said, no one had heard the 
words she uttered. Stepan Petrovitsch assured his guests 
that it meant nothing, his daughter was bewildered by her 
unexpected good fortune and brilliant prospects, she 
would be bright and well again the next day. He begged 
that no one would allow his pleasure to be disturbed. His 
Excellency seconded the request. 

People undoubtly thought it strange, that the marriage 
to which they were invited, would no be solemnized with 
another bridegroom, but it did not occur to them to in- 
quire into particulars ; there would be plenty of time for 
that, when the festivities were over, when they had eaten 
and drank and danced themselves w^eary — then they could 
indulge in gossip and wonder to their hearts content. 
Scarcely any one had a special interest in Val6'ian, they 
were too slightly acquainted with him and he was too 
unlike his neighbors. They thought it perfectly natural, 
that the poor devil had stolen secretly away, and the 
gentleman made bad jokes on his having had his bride 
snatched from under his nose. The ladies did not under- 


138 


IRENE, OR 


stand the count's taste. How could he fancy such a 
fragile doll ! And their faces wore a sulky expression as 
they talked of the splendor and luxury, that would hence- 
forth surround the simple girl. 

When Irene returned to consciousness, she gazed 
dreamily around the familiar room. 

“Did they not say Valerian was dead she asked. 
Her voice was utterly expressionless and her eyes re- 
mained dry. 

“ He lives, my darling, but he is lost to you,” I said? 
telling a bold lie in my terrible anxiety. In her condi- 
tion, I would not have told her the truth, even if no vow 
had bound my tongue — I feared for her reason. 

“ Shall I never see him again ? ” 

“ In Heaven my beloved child, where the good are 
united after the short trials of earth." 

“ There is no Heaven and no God,” she answered in 
a hollow tone, sitting erect and pushing back her heavy 
hair with both hands. She gazed around her for a time 
in silence. will never pray any more — it is foolish,” 
she said, then turned her face to the wall and remained 
motionless. Heavy steps came up the stairs, and her 
limbs again shook with the violent tremor, from which 
she never recovered. Stepan Petrovitsch appeared in the 
doorway. “Irene !’’ he called in a loud, stern voice. 

She started up, her father’s presence had always in- 
spired her with unconquerable terror. ^ 

“ The count is inquiring about your health, I told him i 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


139 


you were better and that there was no fear of anothei 
fainting fit.” He seized her roughly by the wrist. “ Be- 
ware of arousing my anger, I want to see a bright, cheer- 
ful face, which will show how contented you are with the 
change in your fate. Answer ! he shouted imperiously. 

She raised her tearless eyes to his. “ I will obey you,” 
fell wearily from her lips. 

He nodded, then paused before me a moment, as if to 
say something, but I met him with such a fearless, pierc- 
ing gaze, that the blood involuntarily mounted into his 
face and he hastily moved away, muttering that he should 
be glad, to at least get rid of the old witch of a French- 
woman. Irene had turned away from me, I heard her 
whisper in an almost triumphant tone : ‘‘ No, there is no 
God, no Heaven — why should I pray ? ” 

All through the night she remained in a half recum- 
bent posture ; she would not allow herself to be un- 
dressed, her pink satin train trailed on the floor, the 
spray of roses had fallen from her hair, but the diamond 
star still glittered among the dark braids. She did not 
move, did not weep, did not speak, only at times her 
limbs trembled so violently, that the bed shook under its 
light burden. There was a constant running to and fro 
in the house, doors open and shut, guests and servants 
laughed and sang. A deathlike silence pervaded Irene’s 
room, her little dog scratched at the door and whined 
for admittance. I sat beside the young girl holding her 
hand in mine, we did not exchange a word. I wept con- 


140 


IRENE, OR 


stantly — she did not shed a tear. Towards morning a 
short slumber closed the eyes of the unhappy child. It 
was not refreshing, for it tortured her with terrible 
dreams, she moaned, sighed, and tossed restlessly to and 
fro. I took advantage of the opportunity to collect and 
pack in a trunk a few of the articles which would be 
most needed ; that is doubtless the way the casket, which 
the young girl especially valued as her lover’s gift, came 
into my possession. While turning over her wardrobe, 
each article of which was connected with thoughts of a 
happy future, I probably found her journal — I had not 
even known she kept one. Of course it contained noth- 
ing but memories of Val6’ian, which might perhaps at 
some future day afford a sorrrowful consolation ; I must 
have locked it in the casket, at least I think I remember 
having done so. 

Hearing a movement in the adjoining room, I re- 
turned thither ; Irene had awaked and was sitting on 
the edge of the bed. Her beautiful features wore the 
same rigid expression, she looked like a marble statue. 
She had taken off the pink dress and removed the dia- 
monds from her hair, which fell nearly to her feet. 

“ It is time for me to dress,” she said, without turn- 
ing her wandering eyes towards me, ‘‘ isn’t the wedding 
to take place at twelve o’clock ? ” 

“ How do you feel, my child ? ” I asked, clasping her 
tenderly in my arms, “ wouldn’t you like a cup of tea, 
you have tasted nothing since yesterday.” 


THE LONEL Y MANOR, 


141 


She shook her head. ‘‘ I want nothing, I only wish 
it were all over! Why should we linger in the ante-room, 
of hell, when we know we must enter the 2 )lace of eter- 
nal torment ? ” 

Tliis deatli-like, apathetic condition was a thousand 
times \Yorse, than the wildest outburst of dcs])air; if she 
had raved, torn her hair — it would have been easier for 
me to endure. The main nerve of her soul seemed para- 
lyzed or sundered, she spoke and moved mechanically, as 
if she had no feeliim or consciousness of what awaited 

O 

her, I began to comb and braid her long hair — only 
yesterday morning how I had rejoiced in the anticipation 
of this last liour Avith my darling! Her beauty was to 
shine forth on this day with supernatural lustre, I had 
carefully tried on each article of her dress, that nothing 
might be lacking. Alas! how terribly hard the smallest 
service was iioav ! My lingers trembled so that they 
could scarcely fasten the veil on the coronet of braids. 
She let me do as 1 chose, rose, sat down, bent her head 
on one side or forward, just as she was requested. How 
entirely Avas fulfilled, my presentiment, that Valerian 
would not lead his bride to the altar, since he had seen 
tier in her Avreatli and veil. 

My old head is confused, I no longer remember the 
circumstances clearly — I think I accompanied Irene to 
the hall — “How beautiful she is, but how deadly ])ale ! ” I 
fancied I heard the gentlemen Avhisper. She walked 
past the guests Avithoutany greeting, and the ladies said: 


142 


IRENE, OR 


‘‘ How haughty she has grown, she already feels herself 
a countess ! ” 

When the count appi'oached, she trembled as if with 
some sudden chill, the pupils of her eyes dilated, and the 
fixed stare with which she gazed at the spot wher^ yes- 
terday a small blood stain had been visible, expressed 
unutterable, horror. He did not seem to notice it, but 
taking her hand, which he gallantly kissed, paid her a few 
compliments upon her beauty. The road to the church 
was dangerous to traverse; the torrents of rain that 
had fallen the night before had softened the ground and 
washed deep holes. The ruinous old churc^i with its 
age-blackened pictures of the saints, the faded ribbons 
swaying mournfully on the walls, the broken dirty can- 
dles, made an even more cheerless impression upon me 
than usual, it was as cold and gloomy as if nothing was 
ever said there except masses for the dead. Father 
Spiridon’s attention was wholly occupied by the distin- 
guished bridegroom, he addressed himself principally to 
him, and therefore did not notice that the bride made no 
response to the question : whether she would be the 
faithful wife of this her choosen husband ? 

In the bustle and confusion that followed the wed- 
ding, I succeeded in executing Valerian’s last request; 
I had found on my table the letter he wrote just before 
his death, and instantly locked it up. While Irene was 
sleeping, I had hastily broken the seal and a second letter 
fell out, addressed to the good old landowner, Ivan 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


143 


Ivanovitsh Gribinoff, the only person who had not yester- 
day and to-day loaded the nj aster of the house and the 
count with compliments and congratulations. To me 
he had only scrawled the words : “ In case of my deaths 

I beg you to give the enclosed letter to Gribinoiff.’’ I 
was forced to act cautiously, for Stepan Petrovitsch 
must notice nothing, lest his hatred and suspicion should 
be attra^.ted towards the old man. The latter was stand- 
ing somewhat apart from the rest of the company, who 
were crovded around the tables. I placed a bottle and 
a few smdl glasses on a waiter and went to several of the 
older genteman, offering them the strong liquor. Thus 
I at last reached Gribinoff. 

‘‘ Try tiis naliffka,^^ I said aloud, ‘‘ you must convince 
yourself, thit I am a good Russian housekeeper. While 
he was drinMng, I added a low in tone: “I have a letter 
from VaMriai Maximitsch for you in my pocket.’’ 

“ Poor felow, he is perhaps already dead,” He re- 
plied in the sime tone, “ my servant told me last night, 
that a duel had been fought in the billiard room, and 
Valerian Maiimitsch had been severely wounded and 
carried to Malinovka. His coachman and servant were 
strictly clarged to make no outcry, but such a thing 
couldn’t b kept entirely secret.” 

“You ire mistaken, he was already dead when they 
placed hin in the carriage, a corpse arrived at Malin- 
ovka.” 


144 


IRENE, OR 


‘‘Dead ! ” The old man’s kindly face lost every tinge 
of color. 

“God allows many crimes to happen,” he murmurai, 
“I was very fond of the young man, though he raiely 
came to my house — I kne\v his motlier, you are awar« — ” 
You are the only j^erson whom he trusted, tlat is 
why he made you executor of his will.” 

“ So young, so young,” he whispered, sliakhg his 
head mournfully, “ of course I’ll do what he a^ks, the 
words of the dead are sacred.” 

I hastily thrust the letter into liis pocket, firstghmcing 
cautiously around to see that no suspicious ^^yes were 
watching us. ' 

“God bless you, Ivan Ivanovitsch, you alo^e have a 
heart to feel for my darling’s misery.” / 

“ Poor child,” he sighed compassionately, “and she 
is only at the beginning of her trials, what ^'consolation 
it must be, that you are with her, Pauline Carlovna.” 

He pressed my hand and I turned away,for my com- 
posure threatened to desert me, and I dajed not weep 
among these people, my tears were too bit|er and burn- 
ing. i 

The count’s travelling carriage \vas standing in the 
courtyard ; I received orders to dress the yoiinj countess 
for the journey. I had had a charming costime made 
for her, a cloak of blue silk trimmed with swansdown ; 
it was very becoming, the lovely face peeped ^ut of the 
white border of the hood as if from the calix (jf a flower. 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


145 


Let me pass over what followed, in silence. How 
shall I describe how the gentle dove became the prey of 
tlie fierce vulture? The count, wrapped in his cloak of 
black fox fur, was already waiting for us at the door. 
Stepan Petrovitsch wished to appear a tender father at 
parting. “ The time will soon come when you will thank 
me, Irinaschka, children usually misunderstand their 
parents' good intentions." According to the custom of 
the country, he was about to give his daughter his bless- 
ing. This sliameless baseness exasperated me. I drew 
Irene away, exclaiming : ^ Spare yourself this blasphemy, 
your account is large enougli to secure you a place in hell 
witliout it." 

He made a wry face and uttered a suppressed oath — 
this is tlie last recollection 1 liave of him. I never saw 
him again and never shall see liim, for he died a few 
months ago of apoi>lexy, the natural result of his ex- 
cesses. No one mourned him, neither his so-called friends^ 
his servants, nor his daughter, who heard the news of his 
death without the quiver of an eyelash, without utter- 
ing a Avord. A few neighbors, to whom the estate had 
long been lieavily mortgaged, divided it between them 
— I wouldn’t own it, if the soil contained gold mines. 

Just as night was closing in, we reached the estate 
the count had recently purchased. I had been separated 
from my darling; she rode with Ilis Excellency in the 
first carriage, I went in the second. Never shall I forget 
the imploring glance she fixed up^ou me, when she per- 

10 


146 


IRENE, OR 


oeived that she was to be alone with her husband. Her 
fingers clutched my hand, the rigid features assumed an 
expression of wild despair. 

“ Let Madame Laurent go, Irene.” said the count au- 
thoritatively, putting his arm around her. 

At the touch she sank down like a strangled bird, her 
fingers relaxed their hold, and she allowed him to draw 
her away without resistance. 

During the next few days and the whole period of 
our journey I scarcely saw her, a maid performed the 
services I had rendered; the utmost I could do was to 
approach the carriage when we stopped at the post sta- 
tions and the count had alighted, and whisper a few 
words. I often doubted whether she recognized and 
hoard me ; wrapped in furs, she lay motionless in one 
corner with a pale face and closed eyes. Only when the 
count came and in his harsh voice, which he vainly strove 
to soften, persuaded her to drink some hot tea or strong 
wine, she mechanically sat up and obeyed him. Yet she 
scarcely sipped a few drops, and I know not on what she 
lived during the ten days — except her agony, her sup- 
pressed tears, the blood of her mortally wounded heart. 
Once, when I stood beside the carriage door covering her 
cold hand with tender kisses, stroking her cheeks, and 
calling her by all the pet names I had given her when a 
child, the count seized my arm. 

“You have not forgotten our bargain?” he asked, 
gazing fixedly at me %vith his piercing eyes. 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


147 


“ No,” I answered in a suppressed tone. 

‘‘ Not a word of what you saw to Irene, or I’ll send 
you so far away, that you cannot reach her even in 
dreams. I hope the court life will have a favorable in- 
fluence upon my wife, balls and entertainments will efface 
the memory of that sentimental boy, I shall at last hold 
in my arms a living woman, instead of a marble image, 
a corpse. Make her understand, that she must learn to 
love me — I’m not accustomed to sue long, her obstinacy 
might at last arouse my anger and then — ” 

I shuddered — I was to be his intercessor ! 

On reaching St. Petersburg a magnificent palace, with 
endless suites of apartments, received us; an army of 
liveried servants awaited the commands of their dreaded 
master. Irene gazed at all the splendor with weary, 
careless eyes. Modistes came to take her measure for 
superb toilettes, which she was to wear upon her pre- 
sentation at court, her entrance into society. One of 
these busy, garrulous ladies was a Frenchwoman and an 
artist in her department. Haughty princesses, who 
looked down upon their inferiors as worthless dust, 
eagerly strove to win her favor, loaded her with atten- 
tions and flatteries, humbled themselves before her — all 
in order to be the first to obtain a new fashion, for the 
sake of a dress, whose elegance would fiU others with 
envy. 

When Madame Tissol discovered that I was a coun- 
tryman — we even came from the same province, Franche- 


148 


IRENE, OR 


Comt6 — she became very cordial to me and often, after 
she had sent away her assistants with boxes of silks and 
laces, remained half an hour in my room. From her I 
learned many things, for she had access everywhere, and 
the most aristocratic ladies confided to her the secrets 
and gossip of the fashionable world. 

“ Eh bieuy^ she said to me one day, about three weeks 
after our arrival at the palace, “ et votre dame lajeime 
comtesse, are her cheeks always so pale ? She is lovely 
as an angel, the most beautiful woman who has ever ap- 
peared in St. Petersburg, but silent and lifeless as a de- 
parted spirit. I have just tried on a manteau de coiir^ it 
is superb, no lady except the empress possesses one like 
it, the count ordered me to use the best and costliest ma- 
terial, and I acted accordingly, the embroidery in relief 
of gold threads is exquisite — do you suppose the countess 
even smiled, or said : ‘ Madame Tissol^ mats voiis etes 

artiste ? ’ And another dress, draj^ d^ argent, with an 
overskirt of malines lace caught up here and there with 
sprays of roses, a marvel of lightness and elegance ! I 
thought that might be more to her taste — but no ! She 
patiently submits to all the fitting and trying — for you 
must know I am very particular in these things, the try- 
ing on of a toilette is of vast importance, when the whole 
is completed it can’t be altered, for this reason I always 
come in person essayer les robes, although it costs 
me a great deal of time at these distances and in the 
horrible condition of the streets — madame la comtesse 


J 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


149 


had no eyes even for the rose buds. Can what people 
whisper be true? Avrai the count hasn’t many 
friends, he is hated for his brutality and arrogance, the 
really aristocratic families — there are some, though very 
few — wouldn’t have given him a daughter. It is said he 
carried off his beautiful young wife, after having killed 
her lover ; others assert he bought her from him, and that 
is why the countess has forgotten how to smile. Such 
things do happen here, it’s a terrible country even apart 
from the climate, which is execrable ; nine months winter 
and three months summer. As soon as I have accumu- 
lated a tolerable property, I shall return to la belle France. 
Tell me, cliere amie^ you must be best informed in regard 
to these matters, did that monster really obtain posses- 
sion of the poor angel by force ? ” 

I could say nothing, Irene was now the Countess W., 
what would it avail to expose her misery to the curious, 
to whom it would only afford welcome material for 
gossip ? 

‘‘ You are mistaken, chere madame^^ I answered 
quietly, “ it would be false, if I were to assert that the 
countess consented to this marriage very joyfully, that 
you will understand, since he is fifty-six, she only seven- 
teen, but there are no particularly romantic circumstances 
connected with it ; she yielded to her father’s will. 
Parents have the power of deciding such alliances. She 
is now suffering from homesickness ; reared in the soli- 
tude of the country she cares little for luxury and splen- 


160 


IRENE, OR 


dor, she will gradually accommodate herself to the 
change of circumstances, and then the roses will again 
bloom on her cheeks.” 

What would I have given, if my words had been 
true ! 

Madame Tissol was clever enough to pretend she be- 
lieved me. 

“ Vbyez ces mauvais langues ! ” she answered with 
apparent indignation, “to spread such malicious stories ! 
I can understand, that the young countess stands some- 
what in awe of her stern husband — it’s very natural, with 
the gi*eat difference in their ages ! In his youth he is 
laid to have been by no means bad looking, a Hercules in 
uniform, the empress had a weakness for him, he wasn’t 
a reigning favorite, but a favorite nevertheless. Besides, 
he would be a monster if he wasn’t fond of his charming 
young wife — a highly educated young lady, she does you 
great credit, her manners are remarkably fine, few ladies 
can compare with her. I prophesy that she will soon be 
the spoiled child of society, all the men will be in love 
with her, and the women wont be jealous, because she 
has so little vanity.” 

My locquacious countrywoman embraced me and 
drove to another of her illustrious customers. 

During the first few months I feared Irene’s mind 
was affected, I could find no other explanation of her 
dull apathy, her total indifference to everything. She 
moved as mechanically as an automaton, answered if 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


151 


directly addressed, but it evidently cost her an effort. 
Valerian’s name never crossed her lips, she never spoke 
of the home she had left, where she had passed her child 
hood, her thoughts, as far as she expressed them in 
words, never dwelt upon the past, the day of Valerian’s 
death seemed to be a grave-stone that covered it; and 
so it has continued up to the day on which I write these 
lines. Now and then towards evening, when she is alone 
and not obliged to receive or pay a visit, she comes to 
my room, brings a low stool, places it at my feet, lays 
her head in my lap, and remains so for hours ; when she 
rises, she utters a deep, heavy sigh, such as can only come 
from the depth of a sorely wounded heart, gazes timidly 
into the dark corners, and goes away without having re- 
lieved herself by any words. How can the gentle, loving^ 
yielding creature have become so utterly transformed ? 
She, whose devout nature often filled me with emotion, 
cherishes an unconquerable aversion, one might almost 
call it hatred, towards the church and its rites. She no 
longer prays to the madonna, whose image, framed in a 
gold shrine set with jewels, stands in her bedroom ; she 
avoids attending mass ; when Easter, the greatest church 
festival in the country, was celebrated, during which even 
mortal enemies forget their hostility for a time and all 
exchange friendly greetings, she said she was ill and re- 
mained in bed. She has managed to procure the skep- 
tical writings of Voltaire and reads them with feverish 
interest, then exclaims triumphantly : 


162 


IRENE, OR 


“Here it is incontestably proved, that there is no 
personal God to whom we can pray ; the world is a piece 
of mechanism, governed by fixed, immutable laws, which 
concern the individual human being no more than the 
leaf on the tree.” 

Madame Tissol was not mistaken in regard to Irene’s 
success in society. The empress received her with un- 
usual favor, kissed her, and gazing at the lovely, innocent 
face, said to her husband in a tone, which the bystanders 
asserted, was very significant : 

“ Count, you have an angel, I hope you will never 
forget what an undeserved piece of good fortune has 
fallen to your lot.” 

The sovereign’s example was followed by every one. 
Wherever Irene appeared, her beauty, her girlish grace, 
excited universal admiration ; yet the gentlemen vainly 
endeavored to draw the young countess into vivacious, 
sprightly conversation, they obtained only monosyllabic 
replies. They called her la belle statue^ and each secretly 
hoped he might succeed in animating the marble. 

The admiration Irene excited at first increased the 
count’s love for her — if one can apply the word to a feel- 
ing blended with so much that was base, sensual, and 
evil. The striking beauty of the innocent creature had 
undoubtedly charmed his jaded senses, and he had prob- 
ably said to himself, that such a w^oman would never be- 
tray the honor of her aged husband and expose him to 
mockery ; but what siDCcially pleased him was the thought 


THE LONELY MANOR 


153 

of robbing the young bridegroom of his bride on the eve 
of the marriage, and thus compelling fate to obey his 
caprice. When, however, he gradually came convinced, 
that the horror which had weighed upon the unhappy 
girl from the moment that he appeared before her, stain- 
ed with her lover's blood, did not yield to the magic of 
luxury and pleasure, a feeling of angry impatience took 
possession of him. Months after she had been installed 
in his splendid palace, she fled at the sound of his heavy 
step through the stately chambers, until she reached the 
protecting asylum of my room. How often she came 
rushing in with a look of mortal terror, clung to me 
almost fainting, and 2:)ressed her hand upon her heart, 
which boat in quick, irregular throbs. If his imperious 
voice reached her ears, she obeyed the call, but her limbs 
trembled violently, her head dropped on her breast — she 
silently submitted to her fate. 

Several times, contrary to my own feelings, I tried to 
persuade her to be reconciled to her lot, to find an en- 
durable side to it, because I feared that the unconquer- 
able dread with which the count inspired her, might have 
bad results. If his patience was exhausted he would 
vent his cruelty and brutality upon her, and lead her a 
life compared to which her present one would be a 
Paradise. She listened to my loving representations in 
silence, and shaking her head gravely, answered gently : 

“ It is beyond my control, as soon as I see him a 
pale shadow rises, pointing to his death-wound and 


154 


IRENE, OR 


groaning ; ‘ He murdered me ! ^ Oh, if you knew what I 

suffer ! ” 

She covered her face with her hands, and I hoped a 
flood of tears would afford relief — but her eyes remained 
dry. 

I had anticipated a beneficial influence from the first 
cry, the first smile of her child ; women who had fallen 
victims to despair had been again reconciled to life by 
such a little helpless creature. I perceived with quiet 
pleasure, that a faint flush returned to Irene’s cheek, 
her voice became less hollow, her movements more ani- 
mated, a mysterious something seemed to have touched 
her with its magic wand. A few words, which escaped 
her one evening after she had sat silently at my feet for 
a long time, told me that my supposition was incorrect. 

“ Do you know, ma honne^^ she began, raising her 
eyes to me with an almost joyful expression, “ I think I 
shall die, as my mother did when I was born — if she 
had loved me, she would have taken me with her into the 
grave. I too shall not love my child, I cannot, so I shall 
leave it behind, and you will nurse and rear it, you will 
be a real mother to it. Promise to supply my place. 
How alluring death seems, how it smiles upon me ! ” 

And as the tears ran down my old face, she embraced 
me affectionately, as she had not done for a long time, I 
too had become an object of indifference to her. 

Don’t cry, ma honne^ I am not ungrateful and for- 
getful of my duty, I’m only unutterably miserable.” 


THE LONEL Y MANOR. 


155 


The count was very pleasantly surprised by the news 
the physician, the famous Doctor Soumis, told him. He 
confidently expected to have a son, an heir of his name, 
that was what he had impatiently desired. He therefore 
became uncommonly gracious, ordered the servants to be 
flogged less frequently, and no longer imposed such 
severe punishments upon the soldiers ; the staff officers 
on whom he often vented his anger, uttered a sigh of re- 
lief, because their service was somewhat lighter — a sun- 
beam actually seemed to rest on the stone palace. A 
famous artist — at least he was so considered by the 
fashionable world — received a commission to paint the 
Countess W.’s portrait. He was deeply touched by the 
beauty of his subject, suspected that some secret grief 
was consuming the young heart, and with subtle appreci- 
ation placed in her hand a white rose, which a worm was 
gnawing. No words passed between them, for Irene was 
cold and reserved towards all, even those who meant 
kindly, but when the portrait was finished and the wonder- 
ful likeness excited universal surprise, she held out her 
slender fingers for him to kiss and smiling mournfully, 
said : 

“ The rose shall be carved in marble on my grave- 
stone, it embodies the story of my life.’’ 

One morning, just before her confinement, a servant 
came to me with the message, that a gentleman, a stranger 
wished to speak to me. I was surprised, I had no ac 
quaintances in the city, who would seek me out, and 


166 


IRENE, OR 


awaited the visitor, whom I received in my own room, 
with a certain feeling of curiosity. It was Gribinoff ! I 
lost all composure as I gazed at him, his presence vividly 
recalled the past. After a few moments I recovered my 
self-control and had sufficient forethought to bolt the 
door, that chance might not bring Irene to the spot. The 
worthy old man wiped his eyes. 

“Pardon me, Pauline Carlovna,’’ he began, “I am 
still bewildered by the magnificence which greeted me 
here at every step. The porter would scarcely admit me 
in my simjfie schuba, besides I came in a hired carriage, 
and he who visits this palace sits wrapped in sable in his 
own equipage. The broad marble staircase with its 
gilded balustrade ! One actually feels reluctant to step 
on it in heavy boots. As I followed the footman through 
the apartments, which seemed endless, I thought to my- 
self : Yet Irene Stepanovna would a thousand times 
rather be at Malinovka, her little feet would glide more 
joyfully over the clay floor of a hut, than the mosaic of 
this palace — Poor Vale'rian Maximitsch ! There was loud 
weeping and wailing in the village, when he was lifted 
out of the carriage — he had been a kind, indulgent master. 
The house was adorned with green garlands; the rooms 
had been fitted up with all the beautiful things he had 
ordered from Moscow, the young wife only needed to 
enter — and a corpse was brought back ! ” 

“Don’t speak of it, Ivan Ivanovitsch, my heart is 
ready to break.” 


THE LONEL Y MANOR, 


157 


“ I must speak of it, my dear lady, I took the long 
journey for that very reason. I would far rather say 
nothing about such sorrowful things.’^ 

“ I thank you for your sympathy,^’ I answered sob- 
bing, you see how old I am, but I have not yet learned to 
control my feelings.” 

“ Give your tears free course, it will do you good.” 

‘‘ What do they say about the event in the neighbor- 
hood?” 

The old man shrugged his shoulders. 

‘‘ One says this thing, another that, there’s not much 
ado made when there is no large family to raise an out- 
cry, and VaMrian Maximitsch had no relatives. It was 
whispered that the duel was a half murder, but people 
don’t like to say hard words about a distinguished man, 
his arm reaches a long distance and can speedily stop the 
mouth of any careless babbler. Stepan Petrovitsch, on 
the contrary, is bitterly reviled, he is said to have sold his 
daughter for twenty thousand roubles. Where there is 
no accuser, there is no judge. The story is almost for- 
gotten, at the utmost only mentioned by the women, who 
are envious because Irene Stei^anovna is clad in velvet 
and ermine.” 

She would change places with the poorest peasant 
in Malinovka,” I sighed. 

“ I believe it,” he answered simply, and that brings 
me to the object of my visit. You remember the letter 


168 


IRENE, OR 


Valerian Maximitsch wrote, and which you gave me your- 
self?’’ 

I nodded. 

‘‘ Its contents are important to the countess, I have 
the paper with me, shall I read it aloud to you ? ” 

I made a gesture of refusal. 

“Not his own words, I cannot hear them, they would 
move me tooL deeply. Tell me what it contains.” 

“ As you please. It is not much, only the most neces- 
sary directions, for the poor boy’s time was short. He 
wrote that it was his express desire, to bequeath the es- 
tate of Malinovka with everything appertaining to it, to 
his beloved bride, Irene Stepanovna; he was firmly con- 
vinced that he had not another hour to live, and in the 
presence of death the mind is blessed with peculiar clear- 
ness and an almost prophetic vision. He foresaw that 
the man who now thirsted for his blood, in order to ap- 
propriate his treasure, would soon weary of her, perhaps 
even illtreat and abandon her. Then Irene must have a 
refuge where she would be surrounded by memories of a 
happier past, then she must be able to fly to Malinovka, 
to his own and his mother’s grave. But as he feared 
that she might be robbed of this legacy by her father, 
who would claim it as his property and basely squander 
it, he named me executor of the will. I was to manage 
the estate in the name of the absent heiress and keep 
everything unaltered, until the real owner took possession ; 
for this purpose he added a power of attorney, which 


THE LONELY MANOR 


159 


gave one a legal right to take charge of the property. I 
faithfully fulfilled the dead man’s directions ; I drove 
over to Malinovka and informed the people that their 
dead barin'^ had given me the charge of the estate, ex- 
horted them to do their duty, and consulted with the 
intendant, who has already faithfully served Valerian’s 
mother and who promised me to act as if his master’s eyes 
were always upon him. As Malinovka is^ forty versts 
from my village, I can go over several times a year, to 
see that nothing is neglected. I have long been anxious 
to tell you this news, which I dared not communicate in 
writing, lest the letter should be lost or fall into the 
wrong hands, so I was obliged to wait until my business 
would allow me to take a long journey. That is the 
reason you have not heard from me before.” 

Good, faithful old man, so there were people who felt 
and acted warmly and justly. Valerian’s presentiment 
might j)erhaps be speedily fulfilled, what a comfort was 
the thought, that Irene need not wander homeless about 
the world, that she had an asylum where she could end 
her sorrowful life in peace. If any cure was possible for 
her sick heart, it was to be found in Malinovka, and if 
she did not recover, her death there would at least be a 
happy one. 

I discussed many things with Gribinoff, and he gave 
me some papers, which proved my darling’s title to 
Valerian’s legacy. 


^Master. 


160 


IRENE, OR 


I am old and may be summoned by God any day,’’ 
he said, ‘‘ I must prepare for this event, that the countess 
may sustain no injury from it.” 

He asked me if I would take him to her ! No, it 
would be better for him to return, leaving her in ignor- 
ance of his presence, in her condition the emotion which 
the sight of him could not fail to produce, would be ex- 
tremely dangerous. So he departed, without having seen 
her. 

Irene’s hour came — a little girl saw the light. 

“ A daughter ! ” the count angrily exclaimed, “ if it 
had been a son who had kept the whole house in an 
uproar, but a senseless girl ! ” 

He scarcely looked at the tiny creature and said : “ it 
need not have taken the trouble to come into the w’orld, 
it looked like an ugly little ape.” 

The mother also turned away. 

“It looks like him, it is his flesh and blood,” she mur- 
mured, when I showed her the little creature, “ take it 
away.” 

Poor child, orphaned from its very birth ! True, the 
nurse and baby took possession of the magnificent apart- 
ment, which had been furnished for the expected heir, but 
with the exception of myself, no one asked for them ; the 
screams of the shrill little voice sounded in tlie lofty, 
spacious room, like the whining of a dog. Irene slowly 
recovered, after a few months she could once more put 
on her suj^erb dresses and jewels, and iDeoj^le thought her 


THE LONLEY MANOR. 


161 


if possible even more beautiful than before, but she re- 
mained silent, torpid, indifferent as ever. 

Since his daughter’s birth the count’s manner towards 
his wife has undergone a change, the physicians told him 
that he could not expect other children, and, his heart 
was set on having a son, a lawful heir. Irene’s unvarying 
melancholy is oppressive and burdensome to him ; if his 
vanity was formerly flattered by the universal admiration 
she excited, he now seems to grudge her the homage, 
which throws him into the shade, it vexes him to be con- 
stantly forced to hear, that he must consider himself 
fortunate to possess such a beautiful wife. The habits 
of his camp life break out again, he is often very much 
intoxicated, and in this condition it is wise to keep 
away from him. A short time ago he beat the butler so 
violently with the heavy handle of his riding whip, that 
the poor man was carried out of the room half senseless. 
His anger is also vented on Irene, though not in such 
rude outbreaks — he has never raised his hand against her 
— but in sneering, scornful words. 

“ Why did I marry this pale face ? ” he exclaimed 
furiously yesterday, when he happened to dine at home 
and no guests were present, ‘‘ she hasn’t even sense 
enough to give me a son. To think that a girl, a foolish 
creature, who isn’t even capable of transmitting my 
name, must be my sole heiress ! ” 

With these words he dashed his clenched flst violently 

11 


162 


IRENE, OR 


on the table and cast an evil look at his beautiful, pale 
wife. 

Madame Tissol, who always pays me a visit when- 
ever she brings the countess a new dress, told me that 
very unpleasant stories were in circulation about his Ex- 
cellency ; it is said that he has formed an intimacy with 
a jDerson very well known in the city, whose house is 
frequented by the most dissolute men. On the other hand 
there is a rumor that he is trying, with almost youthful 
ardor, to win the favor of one of the empress’s maids of 
honor, a tall, stately blonde, with a fresh complexion, 
who has a firm, resolute character, and has hitherto re- 
fused to accept his attentions. These are dark prospects ! 
Can Valerian have foreseen the future? Must my dai*- 
ling drain this cup too? Oh ! they will make her bitterly 
atone for being a burden in the house, into w'hich she 
was dragged by force. 

The servants are devotedly attached to the kind, 
gentle mistress, w^ho never utters a harsh word, every 
petitioner is sure of a hearing, and so far as she is able, 
she averts the count’s anger from the cul23rits. To be 
sure, she has little power, the household is managed, by 
an intendant, who is responsible only to his master. 

A short time ago the count engaged a secretary, to 
attend to his business correspondence, a young German, 
born in St. Petersburgh, who has a very winning man- 
ner. His position is not an enviable one. His Ex- 
cellency is capricious and whimsical, what he orders 


THE LONLEY MANOR. 


163 


to-aay ne revokes to-morrow, and his subordinates are 
held responsible for the misunderstandings that arise ; 
but the salary is large, and the young German — I think 
his name is Emile — poor. He has a pleasant face, the 
dreamy expression of his features sometimes reminds me 
of Valerian, whose fair, curling hair he also has. He 
cherishes a devout reverence for Irene, sees in her a saint? 
an angel — an ideal, as the enthusiastic Germans say. A 
highly educated man — how sad it is, that poverty com- 
pels him to serve such a master ! It is a pleasure to 
converse with him, he possesses a great deal of informa- 
tion and is interested in things that occur outside of 
Russia. 

He recently brought me news of events in Paris, of 
Robespierre’s reign of terror, and the degeneration of 
the revolution so gloriously begun. Ma pauvre patrie ! 
Streams of blood deluge its soil and those are right, who 
fly in terror from the unchained fury of the people. But 
who is to blame, that they are intoxicated to madness 
by the first draught of freedom ! Only those who would 
not quench their burning thirst by a single drop of the 
precious cordial ! Throngs of emigrants have even 
turned their faces here ; Monsieur Emile tells me, that 
they live in the old frivolous way, as if they had not 
looked into the terrible face of Nemesis. People won- 
der that dukes and marquises try to earn their bread by 
giving lessons and other pursuits — I can see no great 
merit in it, the alternative would be simply to fold their 


164 


IRENE, OR 


hands in their laps and starve to death, for no one 
wishes to receive alms — but nobody marvels that there 
is no room in their heads for one grave, serious thought. 
When they return to France, they will begin just where 
they stopped. 

When will the time come, that the enslaved people of 
this country will become conscious of their human dignity ? 
Then those broad, proud rivers, the Volga and Dnieper, 
will be dyed with blood and bear corpses to the sea, for 
the more oppressive the servitude the more terrible is 
the rebellion. Monsieur Emile’s views are the same as 
mine, but he is cautious in expressing them ; every out- 
rage is permitted here, but no one can speak freely. 
He sometimes takes tea with me, when the count and 
Irene have gone out. It happened accidentally the first 
time he came to ask for the bills of Madame Tissol and 
the other modistes, which the intendant wanted to pay. 
I gave them to him and explained various items, that no 
mistakes might occur. The servant had just brought in 
the samovar"^ and as the room was warm, I invited him 
to stay, if he had nothing better to do. The nurse and 
Tania were also present, and I took the child on my lap 
to give her some milk ; she is now a year old and very 
sensible for her age. 

Monsieur Emile, like all good men, is fond of children, 
he played with her and she laughed merrily. 

‘‘ She has a genuine Russian face,” said he, there 


* Tea-urn— Tr. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


165 


is not a trace of her mother’s beauty ; with her short 
nose and high cheekbones, she can never be pretty.” 

“ I hope she will remain ugly,” I answered sighing^ 
“ beauty is usually a misfortune to women.” 

He pressed his hand across his brow — just as VaMr. 
ian used to do. 

‘‘ Pardon me, Madame Laurent,” said he, “ and don’t 
ascribe my question to curiosity or indiscretion, it is 
inspired by the warmest interest — is it not true that the 
countess is very unhappy in her marriage ? ” 

“ You are committing no indiscretion,” I answered 
bitterly, ‘‘ you would be deaf and blind if you did not 
understand her position.” 

How I pity the beautiful young wife ! ” he exclaim- 
ed in a sorrowful tone, “ did she tell you about the scene 
that occured this morning ? ” 

I shook my head, it was not her custom to speak of 
painful incidents, when any had happened I knew it 
only because she was even paler and more quiet than 
usual, and sat motionless in one spot gazing into vacancy. 

‘‘ His Excellency had ordered me to bring some letters 
he expected to him at once, and I went with them to the 
countess’s rooms, where he was. The maid had sum- 
moned me, it is true, but I did not venture to go any 
farther uninvited. As the doors were closed only by 
portieres, I was forced, against my will, to hear a con- 
versation in the next room. It really could hardly be 
called a conversation, for the countess did not defend 


166 


IRENE, OR 


herself, even by a word, and silently endured the torrent 
of unjust reproaches poured upon her. Perhaps it was 
because I imagined the shrinking figure of the delicate, 
lovely Avoman, but the count’s expressions seemed un- 
commonly coarse and brutal ; he shouted furiously that 
he must have been out of his senses to have thought her 
waxen face beautiful, she was a lifeless, stupid doll, who 
did not understand how to behave as befitted a Countess 
W. If her beggarly father had even left a few peasants’ 
huts, he would send her at once to the country, where 
she belonged. She alone stood in the way of his happi- 
ness, if it were not for her, he might make a suitable 
match any day and marry a woman, who would have 
sense enough to give him a son. — Why should I repeat 
the insults he uttered ? My blood boiled, I could scarce- 
ly refrain from rushing in, seizing the worthless wretch 
by the throat, and thundering : Kneel down and implore 
this angelic creature’s pardon. ” 

I was startled. Were matters so bad already — if the 
count said such things in his rage, he would soon find 
ways and means to execute his evil designs. There was 
no one to defend Irene and her poor little daughter, no 
one except myself, the helpless old governess. As ac- 
cording to the laws of the Greek church, a divorce is 
not alloAv^ed, he could make a second marriage only in 
case of his wife’s death. A chill ran through my frame 
— oh! God, Avould he murder her like Valerian? Ko, 
no, he might cast her off, I would conceal her so closely 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


167 


that no one should have a suspicion of the Countess W.’s 
existence. What new troubles were in store for us? 
Too many gloomy pictures thronged upon me, I was un- 
able to give the young man, who was our sincere friend, 
an immediate answer. 

“ I wanted to tell you one thing more, Madame 
Laurent/’ he continued eagerly, ‘‘ rely upon my devotion. 
For the countess I will joyfully sacrifice the last drop of 
blood, risk a conflict with any one to protect her. I only 
remain in this position, which is unendurable to a man 
with any feeling of honor, because I fancy my feeble aid 
may some day be useful to her 

His agitation choked his words — noble youth ! Irene, 
without suspecting it, has won a most faithful friend. 
How delicately and timidly he expressed his love — he 
asked nothing except to be permitted to die for her. I 
showed him the casket with its touching picture, and re- 
lated how I had chanced to find it; he listened with 
breathless eagerness to my story, though I chose my 
words very cautiously, he could guess the truth. 

‘‘ Her heart is dead,” he said after a pause in a tone 
of deep emotion, “ it will never wake again.” 


168 


IRENA, OR 


Two MONTHS LATER. 

Monsieur Emile now comes to my room tolerably 
often, he always finds some excuse for visiting the old 
governess ; sometimes he brings me a newspaper, some- 
times he has a little toy for Tania, who recognizes a friend 
in him and laughing merrily totters towards him on her 
weak little legs. Often he whispers a word of warning, 
we both daily expect some violent measure on the part of 
the count. The latter has S2:>read abroad a rumor that 
Irene’s mind is affected, and does not find it difficult to 
obtain credence for his assertion ; people suddenly re- 
member that they have noticed many eccentricities in 
her manner, which can be explained by an aberration of 
the mind. For weeks he has not allowed her to go into 
society, all invitations are declined “ because the countess 
is ill.’’ Although these diabolical intrigues alarm me, it 
fills me with joy to see that the dull, gloomy oppression 
seems to be passing away in a slight, very slight degree, 
from Irene’s soul. She rarely sees the count, and this 
may be balm to her sick heart. The change is still so 
imperceptible, that only my eyes detect it. We are much 
together ; she gladly leaves the cold, stately apartments 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


169 


for my modest room ; only one thing grieves me : she 
scarcely attempts to conceal her aversion to her child, as 
soon as she enters, she begs me to send the nurse and lit- 
tle Tania away. On the other hand, it is not disagreeable 
to her to meet Monsieur Emile ; I have told her what a 
faithful friend he is, and a short time ago she even 
thanked him. She likes to hear him talk, his voice falls 
pleasantly upon her ear, and though she rarely, almost 
never, takes part in the conversation, her eyes rest with 
a gleam of interest on his bright, animated face. 

“ I should like to know, whether she too discovers in 
him a faint resemblance to Valm’ian? I might almost 
think so, for when her eyes rest upon him a long time, 
they gradually assume the gentle, dreamy expression for- 
merly habitual to them. If it were not for the •dange^ 
hovering over our heads, a peril the more alarming be- 
cause we cannot see it distinctly, but merely suspect it, 
this time might be called a happy, peaceful one. There 
is an appearance of comfort, when we are together in the 
evening. I busied at the round table in making tea. 
Monsieur Emile helping me as cleverly as a daughter, 
Irene sitting in a low arm chair, her graceful head thrown 
slightly back, her dark melancholy eyes half closed, hold- 
ing in her slender hands a piece of embroidery, to which 
she scarcely adds a stitch. I perceive that she feels 
sheltered and at ease, and the hope arises that infinite 
love and care may succeed in raising this crushed flower. 
Strict censors might perhaps blame me for favoring the 


170 


IRENE. OR 


young man’s secret love, in a certain sense making op})or 
tunities for him to see Irene, for I need only close my 
door against him to cut off his intercourse with the 
countess — but I say with the Jesuits: the end sanctifies 
the means. His presence exerts a beneficial influence 
upon Irene, the sympathy which attracts youth to youth 
exists between them. Not that I suppose she can ever 
return his love — no, I consider that impossible, she has 
lost the power to do so — but the tender, ardent feeling 
he cherishes for her surrounds her wdth the warmth of a 
sunbeam. I think we are never so done with life, so 
dead to every thing, that we are not glad to be loved by 
the good. An enthusiastic youth, like him, who is more 
at home in the ideal than the practical world, asks noth- 
ing excej)t to be permitted to kneel at his mistress’s feet ; 
I must confess I wonder at his modest, reserved manner, 
the perfect control he exerts over his feelings. 

During the last few^ days scruples have arisen, I begin 
to reproach myself for conduct dictated solely out of re- 
gard for Irene’s welfare. Monsieur Emile seems to suf- 
fer, his face is no longer so fresh and youthful, his mouth 
twitches nervously, often in the midst of conversation, 
he relapses into silence and gazes gloomily into vacancy. 
Tills must not continue ! Yesterday, before Irene came, 
I drew him aside and said : 

‘‘lam an old woman, m on awi, and therefore take 
it upon myself to give advice when it is not asked. I 
fear you have entered upon a conflict, which is beyond 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


171 


your strength, the waves of passion, of a hoi^eless passion, 
threaten to close over you, unless you have courage to 
save yourself from sinking. Fly while there is time, 
avoid the presence of her whose image fills your soul — I 
see that no man can long endure to adore as a saint, at a 
resjDectful distance, the woman he loves. You will now 
carry away no cureless wound — Irene will doubtless miss 
you, for except myself you are the only person whose 
society she values.” 

He had thrown himself into a chair and covered his 
eyes with his hands. 

No cureless wound ? ” he repeated in a hollow tone* 
Oh ! Madame Laurent, have not you, who are so clever 
and sharp sighted, long since perceived that my whole 
life is concentrated in the few hours, during which I sun 
myself in the light of her eyes ? I envy the pillows on 
which she leans her head, the stool on which she puts 
her little foot,” he knelt and reverently kissed the wooden 
stool, “ when she enters, the walls expand, a golden ra- 
diance floods the room, it seems as if I were transported 
into Heaven ! I am well aware that my love is hopeless 
and will never be returned, but the very pain it causes 
affords me a mournful happiness, it is dear because in it 
I possess a part of her, which will always remain mine — - 
Have you ever loved, Madame Laurent ? ” 

A strange question! As if I had been born with 
wrinkles and grey hair ! I was really somewhat embar- 
rassed, that the impetuous youth in his agitation forgot 


172 


IRENE, OR 


all discretion, I even blushed a little ; to regain my com- 
posure, I took a pinch of snuff and then answered with 
dignity : 

“ Of course. Monsieur Emile, I too have had my lit- 
tle romance in my youth, I have shed tears, believed I 
could never be happy again — just like you.’’ 

How is a comparison possible ! ” he vehemently ex- 
claimed, you may have had a little passing fancy, but 
you cannot have known a real passion, or you would not 
so coolly propose to me to banish myself — out of caution ! 
It is the incomprehensible, mysterious nature of this 
divine feeling, to victoriously overthrow all the barriers 
reason opposes. If death itself were to be the direct 
consequence of the kiss that unites two loving souls — I 
would mock at it, for what is annihilation to the one 
moment that contains the highest bliss of love ? ” 

Then, as I probably looked very much puzzled — I had 
never expected such a passionate outburst of feeling from 
the gentle, quiet young man — he seized my hand beseech- 
ingly ; like a child, who when threatened with punish- 
ment hastily stifles its sobs, he by a strong effort repressed 
his emotion. 

‘‘Forget the foolish words I have uttered, Madame 
Laurent,” he said imploringly, “ I cannot deny that I love 
her, but I swear never to repeat the assertion again. I 
will be silent, only don’t send me away, let me be near 
you, gaze at her angel face, hear her sweet voice. I want 
nothing except to be her most faithful servant, I know 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


173 


what a gulf dirides me from the aristocratic lady, the 
Countess W.” 

At this moment Irene entered and interrupted the 
young man’s words ; he understood how to control him- 
self — the poor, who are obliged to struggle through life, 
learn this difficult art early. Ashe bowed and respectfully 
waited for her to address him, no one would have sup- 
posed that every nerve in his body was trembling. 

I was much less calm, the pleasure of our peaceful in- 
tercourse was destroyed ; I involuntarily made more 
noise than was necessary in arranging the cups and 
spoons, my hands could not hold any thing firmly, and 
Irene, who is very sensitive and nervous, was annoyed. 

“You seem tired, ma bonne” she said kindly, “I 
was wrong not to have relieved you of this trouble long 
ago, let me make the tea.” 

She pushed me gently aside and took my place before 
the samovar. How gracefully her slender hands moved, 
and how becoming was the warm flush which the hot 
tea-urn brought to her cheeks. The nurse was still in 
the room with little Tania, and as she had often noticed 
that her mistress’s brow clouded when she saw the little 
one, had retired with the child into a corner behind the 
large, projecting stove. But the table with its glittering 
array of dishes was much too attractive, for Tania to re- 
main patiently in the dark corner, besides she saw her 
friend. Monsieur Emile, who usually had some toy for 
her in his pocket. Raising her little voice she crowed 


174 


IRENE, OR 


and shouted, just as children spoiled by love are in the 
habit of doing. The little creature fortunately did not 
yet suspect, that her lisped words would be heard by no 
fond mother. I rose to quiet her, for I dreaded the cold, 
careless expression Irene’s face always assumes when she 
sees the child. To my joyful surprise, the aversion was 
less evident, it seemed as if she imposed a certain con- 
straint upon herself in the stranger’s presence, or else 
the feelings of a mother stirred within her, in short she 
turned and smiling faintly said : 

Bring Tania here, ma honne^ you are never happy 
unless you can pet and wait upon a child.” 

I returned to my seat almost timidly and endeavored 
to quiet the little one, who strove to grasp at everything. 
As she perceived Monsieur Emile on the other side of the 
table she tried to get to him, and Irene, who sat between 
him and me, placed her on her lap a moment, that she 
might give the young man her little hand. 

If a stranger had entered the room, he would have 
thought he beheld the happiest family group. Alas, it 
was impossible for my darling ever to find peace under 
this roof, misery crouched on the threshold, the mere 
sound of a voice was enough to remind her that she was 
the most wretched woman on earth. And the anxiety 
insj)ired by Irene’s defenceless situation was blended with 
fear for the young man, whom we called our only friend, 
I perceived how tenderly his eyes rested upon the coun- 
tess, as soon as he thought himself unobserved, how his 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


175 


hand trembled when he received from her the cups she 
had touched, how he blushed when her dress chanced to 
brush him — no ! It must go no farther ! I distrust the 
power of self-sacrifice possessed by youth ; some day the 
strength of his feelings will conquer him, he will utter his 
passion in words, and then the intercourse so dear to me 
and himself will end in a harsh discord. That she will 
respond to his affection seems to me impossible ! Perhaps, 
after the lapse of years, when she has gradually become 
accustomed to him and learned to see in him a brother, 
an unselfish protector, she will, not love him as he does 
her, but place her poor broken life under his protection — 
yet for that she must be free, not bound to this brutal 
tyrant, who is weary of her and says angrily, that it’s 
often easier to obtain a wife by force, than to get rid of 
her. 

Oh ! God, how will this end ? These frivolous, pleas- 
ure loving people, who at first showed Irene a certain 
degree of kindness, principally on account of her rare 
beauty, have short memories, they have already forgotten 
her. Her illness and the count’s command keep her aloof 
from the circle which, at first, noisily admired her ; her 
husband now and then lets fall an allusion to his wife’s 
disordered mind — thus the interest she at first excited is 
gradually dying out. In addition to this is the peculiar 
dread of maniacs most people cherish, and no one doubts 
Irene’s insanity, all now remember her constant melan- 
choly, her want of animation, the fixed expression of her 


176 


IRENE, OR 


eyes — of course she is mad I It would not surprise me if 
she were ! In the middle of the night I am often seized 
with a terrible fear, that the count may have her dragged 
to a madhouse, where the poor victims are subjected to 
barbarous, cruel treatment, that makes them what others 
say they are. I have heard so much of the horrors of 
these institutions, that the idea of seeing Irene’s tender 
frame exposed to illtreatment makes the blood freeze in 
my veins. If I could fly with her to Malinovka, to save 
her from her impending fate ! Perhaps this plan might 
be executed, if Monsieur Emile gave his aid — but no, it 
would be selfish, ignoble to accept it, his whole future 
might be destroyed. The count would take a terrible 
revenge, crush the young man, deprive him of all means 
of support, and what would become of them ? He is 
poor and has an aged mother to support, as he told me a 
short time ago. We must not apply to him, though he 
is the only person who can communicate with the out- 
side world, who by the sale of some jewels can obtain 
money to procure a pass, without which it is useless to 
think of traveling in this country. 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


177 


TWO YEARS LATER. 

Malinovka, in the autumn of 1795. 

“ Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace ! exclaimed, 
I believe, a good old man, whose story is related in the 
New Testament, and I echo the words from my inmost 
soul. ^ That my feeble body does not yet refuse to serve 
me, that these eyes, half blinded by tears, can still see, 
these ears still hear, is incomprehensible to me. The 
cause of this miracle is the knowledge, that there is a 
helpless little creature, to whom for the present my with- 
ered hand is a firm support, and who thinks she is pro 
tected from every discomfort, every danger, when she 
hides her curly head in the folds of my dress. I mean 
the little three-year-old Tania, Tatiana Gregorievna, as 
the servants now call her, the future mistress of Malinov- 
ka. For her I will complete these recollections, which 
contain her mother^s story ; perhaps at some future time 
she will put a cross under my name, and add : Died at 
such and such a time. 

It is hard for me to collect and arrange my thoughts, 
in order to write them down, and besides they must re- 
12 


178 


IRENE, OR 


turn to that palace in St. Petersburg, which I could fain 
forget. Gradually I recall each incident. The scene I 
last described was repeated many times. The count no 
longer seemed to trouble himself about his beautiful pale 
wife, he was usually away from home, and did not return 
even to his meals. Visits from ladies had entirely ceased, 
as it was universally reported that Countess W. was in- 
sane ; gentlemen were ushered directly into the count’s 
private room. If Irene had not had me, she would have 
been entirely alone. At my entreaty she resolved to go 
out in a sleigh, during the clear, bright weather; I hoped 
the fresh air would strengthen her feeble health. The 
nurse, child, and I myself accompanied her, and these 
drives with the spirited horses, which dashed forward 
like the wind, afforded us all much pleasure. We went 
along the superb granite quays, past the magnificent pal- 
aces, to the island, always over a dazzling carpet of snow, 
over which the sleigh dashed with arrow-like speed. 

But even this trifling change in the dull monotony of 
Irene’s existence was denied her. When the count heard 
of these excursions, he became furiously angry, forbade 
the intendant to obey any such orders from the countess, 
and loaded her and me with a torrent of coarse, abusive, 
words. In spite of his high rank, he was as rough and 
untutored as a Cossack. He probably feared that lus 
statements about his wdfe might be doubted, if she were 
seen driving so quietly and happly "with her little daughter. 
When he spoke to her, his eyes flashed with a sj^iteful, 


THE LONELY MAHOE, 


179 


angry glare, like that of a beast of prey lying in wait for 
its victim — it was a horrible glance. 

Madame Tissol, the modiste came to see me, not to 
produce magnificent toilettes from numerous bandboxes 
— as the countess no longer went into society, she did not 
need them — the good lady came simply from curiosity. 
I ought not to blame her for it, she saw in human beings 
only two classes, those who were customers and those 
who were not, and she inquired into their affairs only 
when they furnished material for gossip. 

‘‘ And this poor countess, so young and so pretty, is 
shereally — the ‘‘ significant gesture with which she pointed 
to her head completed the sentence. 

“ No more than you and I,’’ I answered indignantly, 
‘‘ I don^t know who takes malicious pleasure in spreading 
this false report.’^ 

I perfectly understand that you feel offended by it 
— mats quevoulez vous? Its a misfortune that may be- 
fall anyone. I suspected something of the kind, when 
the countess remained so indifferent to the most elegant 
dresses, a lady who doesn’t appreciate a manteau de cour 
can’t be quite right in her mind. Then her severe illness 
at her daughter’s birth, lait s^est pore a la tete^ it often 
happens when people are young and delicate. Her Maj- 
esty the Empress inquired very sympathizingly about her 
a short time ago.’’ 

Of what avail was my denial ? People are unwilling 
to change an opinion, because the acknowledgement that 


180 


IRENE, OR 


they have been deceived is a confession of a lack of sharp- 
sightedness. Madame Tissol also told me, that the count 
was madly in love with the tall, blonde maid of honor, he 
made a perfect fool of himself, and the young men 
laughed at him unmercifully. The lady was extremely 
haughty and repellant, which seemed to increase his pas- 
sion. 

If insanity could be used as a ground for divorce, 
he would certainly get rid of his wife to marry this proud 
beauty. Chacun selon son gout^ I couldn’t admire her, 
she has no refinement, her appearance is far too robust and 
masculine. 

I did not see my countrywoman again, either she re- 
mained away of her own accord, or the porter was ordered 
not to admit her. 

Irene was a prisoner in the palace, of whose endless 
suites of apartment, she at last occupied only her chamber 
and my room. The servants, who soon perceived that 
she was deserted, found it more profitable to remain in 
the good graces of their stern master, and therefore daily 
neglected their mistress more and more, we could scarcely 
get the most necessary services performed. Yes, the life 
we led in the superb palace was a strangely cheerless one 
Monsieur Emile was the only person who showed us the 
same attention, but his was an honest, thoroughly noble 
nature. And how boldly and enthusiastically he talked, 
when the conversation turned upon the new modes of 
thought which were agitatino«* the world. How eagerly 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


181 


he defended the rights of the oppressed, the enslaved ! 
He was our regular even ing guest, if owing to busi- 
ness engagements his arrival was delayed, Irene look- 
ed at the clock and greeted the expected visitor with 
a friendly smile. I secretly admired his self-control, 
the passionate outburst, which had startled me, 
seemed forever quieted, but his face betrayed his silent 
suffering. 

Our situation was one of unnatural suspense, I can only 
compare it to that of a condemned criminal, whose exe’ 
cution has been deferred, and who each morning on wak- 
ing says to himself : ‘Will it take place to day ? ’ The 
weeks that elapsed in this way seemed like months, 
years, a feverish restlessness took possession of me. 
Irene was far more composed than I. ‘ What can happen 
worse than the suffering we have already subdued ? ’ she 
asked, fixing her large dark eyes sadly upon me. 

While I racked my old brains for some expedient, 
which might offer a cheering prospect, it suddenly oc- 
curred to me to appeal for protection to the empress. 
Many things were said of her, but it was asserted that 
she had a really generous heart, though her acts, especially 
in her old age, were often influenced by a petty egotism 
which even bordered upon cruelty. I would write to her 
and truthfully describe Irene’s situation ; if disposed to 
take her part, she would know what to do. Monsieur 
Emile approved of this plan, the difliculty was how to 
get the letter into the hands of the empress, as I could 


182 


IRENEy OR 


trust none of the servants; he helped me out of this em- 
harassment, by saying he would attend to that p^rt of 
the matter himself. He had often been sent to the gov- 
ernment offices on business for the count, he knew many 
of the employes, and hoped to induce one of them to 
hand the petition to the empress. I therefore composed 
it, I no longer remember the precise words, 1 only know 
that I tried to describe the state of affairs as quietly as 
possible. Other j^eople rarely sympathize with our out- 
bursts of passion, that which moves the inmost depths of 
our souls leaves an unprejudiced person cool and calm, 
our vehemence is often distasteful, while we are unable 
to accuse them of heartlessness. Facts alone arouse sym- 
pathy, not the way we consider them. I placed the let- 
ter in the hands of Emile, who anticipated the best suc- 
cess; the secretary of the bureau of petitions, a refined, 
intelligent man, who had always treated him with marked 
cordiality, and whose duty it was to give the empress 
each day a report of the petitions which had arrived, had 
promised to give the letter to the sovereign at once, re- 
commending it to her special attention. Monsieur Emile 
had a frank, honorable nature, he still believed in men 
and felt no distrust of them, until they had given open 
proofs of baseness. 

I cannot describe the suspense, the alternations of 
hope and fear, in which we spent the following days ; I 
tried to accustom myself to the thought of failure, if the 
count succeeded in blinding the empress’s judgment by 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


183 


Innuendoes, she would see in Irene’s words — I had writ- 
ten in her name — only the fancies of a lunatic, whom she 
at the utmost pitied, but could not aid. If this sole hope 
of deliverance failed, we had no resource except flight — 
how it was to be accomplished, God alone knew ; not the 
smallest obstacle was little Tania, whom I was firmly 
resolved to take with us — what would become of the lit- 
tle creature, whom the unnatural father would abandon ? 

So, on the evening of the third day, we three allies 
sat at the round table. Monsieur Emile discussing the 
possible decision of the empress, whose reply we might 
expect hourly after the following morning ; he told us 
that the count was more impatient than ever, he seemed 
determined to make his position unendurable, to humili- 
ate him in every way, true the staff officers were also 
obliged to submit to his whims, but he was the special 
victim. Irene turned towards him with a sad smile : 

‘‘You ought not to take up my cause so warmly, 
Monsieur, I belong to those who bring their friends mis- 
fortune, the few who loved me have suffered bitterly. 
Leave me to my fate, which is inevitable, I shall always 
remember you with gratitude.” 

‘*‘ Can you really believe. Countess, that I would be so 
selfish and cowardly ? What value would life have for 
me, if I should be banished from your presence ? I would 
not have mentioned these pitiful annoyances, except to 
illustrate the count’s present mood. Don’t grudge me 
the haj)piness of being permitted to risk my life for you.” 


184 


IRENE, OR 


He bent forward and gazed at her with an expression 
of indescribable tenderness ; a faint flush suffused her 
face, she perhaps suspected the feeling hidden in the 
depths of his soul. Her long lashes drooped shyly, and 
with half averted face she extended her hand, which he 
passionately kissed. 

Just at that moment the door was violently thrown 
open — the count, his features distorted with rage, stood 
on the threshold, in his hand he held a torn letter, which 
he waved menacingly in the air — I guessed all ! The 
secretary had broken his promise, it was more important 
to him to secure the favor of the powerful general, than 
to become the protector of the oppressed. The smile 
with which the intruder scanned us, as we sat rigia and 
motionless was a fiendish one. 

‘‘ So,” he said hoarsely, striving to control his passion, 
“ so plans are being made, intrigues woven against me in 
my own house ? Who wrote this letter ? I will have an an- 
swer ! ” he thundered. 

I rose — he should not find me cowardly, as all was 
lost, I need not choose my words. 

‘‘ I,” I answered stepping forward, “ and even your 
brazen effrontery will not venture to accuse me of saying 
what is false. Do you want to commit another murder ? 
Beware, the walls of your palace are thick, but we are 
not in the interior of the country, where you might 
commit a crime unpunished, but in the capital which has 
a thousand ears. Try to lay hands upon Irene, and 


THE LONELY MANOR 


185 


tr-morrow the birds on the house tops will tell the 
story.” 

“Crazy old witch!” he muttered furiously, “it be- 
comes you to utter such words, you who aid this shame- 
less woman to meet her lover. Speak ! he shouted to 
Irene, “ it doesn’t surprise me that you have forgotten 
how to blush, since you have humiliated yourself so far 
as to stoop to a servant, a slave, whom I can lash, kick 
out of doors.” Raising his clenched hand he advanced 
towards her. She had shrunk back against the wall and 
stood there trembling violently, with both hands pressed 
upon her temples. The young man sprang forward to 
protect her with his own person, 

“Not a step farther,” he impetuously exclaimed, his 
slender figure developed a steel-like strength, for he held 
as if in a vice the arm of the herculean count, who vainly 
struggled to release himself. “ If you address a single 
insulting word to this noblest and purest of women. I’ll 
fell you to the ground ! ” 

The count foamed with rage and struggled with the 
young man, who called to me to remove Irene, to save 
her from the fury of this monster, little Tania began to 
cry piteously, the nurse shrieked — it was a repulsive, 
horrible scene. The noise attracted several servants who 
at their master’s command rushed to his assistance. By 
superior strength Emile was thrown to the floor and 
securely bound. 

“Away with him to the courtyard,” gasped the 


186 


IRENE, OR 


count, ‘‘ and order tlie coachmen to lash him till their 
arms are lame; he attacked me. Afterwards let him be 
given to the police, I have discovered that he is in con- 
nection with revolutionists. In the Siberian mines you 
will have plenty of time to nourish your dreams of free- 
dom,’’ he continued scornfully, turning to the unfortunate 
youth, who lay on the floor tied up like a bundle, yet in 
this torturing situation he thought only of obtaining one 
glimpse of Irene. Life returned to her rigid limbs, she 
rushed to the count, and, clasping her hands imploringly, 
exclaimed in a tone of heart-rending agony; 

“ Have mercy, he has committed no crime, except to 
pity me ! Not this cruel, disgraceful punishment, which 
will kill him. His ghost will haunt me, if his blood flows 
for my sake.” 

Her beautiful face expressed the most terrible des- 
pair, she had thrown herself upon her knees, in her agony 
she humbled herself before her hated tormentor. 

‘‘ I suppose you are afraid your lover’s face will be 
disfigured ? It’s as smooth as that of the first, to whom 
you vowed to be eternally faithful. Well the faith didn’t 
last long.” 

She shrieked like a mortally wounded animal, but in- 
stead of weakly fainting, drew herself proudly up to her 
full height, her black eyes blazed in her pale face like 
sparks of fire — the over-strained bow had broken, the 
gentle, patient creature was suddenly transformed into 
an avenging angel. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


187 


‘‘Ton, you dare to conjure up the bloody shade of 
him you murdered ! ” she cried with such wild energy, 
that he involuntarily trembled. “ Then may his ghost 
forever wander through these rooms and drive from them 
the last remnants of joy and peace, may it stand at night 
beside your bed, stare at you with its glassy eyes, and 
torture you with terrible dreams. May the curse of your 
act rest upon whoever crosses this threshold, may nothing 
thrive here save discord, shame, and misery I ” 

The count was superstitious, like all Russians, even 
the most aristocratic, and such a curse might be expected 
to exert a mysterious, malevolent influence ; his bronzed 
face lost every tinge of color, the servants crossed them- 
selves and shrank timidly back. 

“ She is mad ! said their master in an unsteady voice, 
“ why do you stand there listening to her senseless words ? 
Go and take him with you ! 

The tension of Irene ^s nerves relaxed, she uttered a 
cry of agony as the young man was dragged away, and 
fell fainting in my arms. The count, with a sinister 
glance, silently left the room, whose door he locked, to 
shut us off from all communication with the outside 
world. 

Irene’s consciousness returned, but it was a sorrowful 
awakening; she sobbed on my neck and declared she 
could hear the unhappy man’s shrieks of pain. Owing 
too the situation of the room, this was impossible ; her 
excited mind conjured up these fancies. How bitterly 


188 


IRENE, OR 


I reproached myself for plunging our young friend into 
this misery, he could not help us, and must now meet a 
terrible future. The count’s accusation, false and un. 
founded as it was, would be enough to condemn him 
to the harshest punishment. Connected with revolution- 
ists ! These words would condemn him unheard. And 
what was to become of us? I secreted some jewels of 
Irene’s about my person, that we might not be wholly 
without means. 

Long before morning dawned, some one knocked at our 
door, and the intendant, a serf and subservient tool of 
his master, entered ; casting a timid glance at the coun- 
tess, he drew me aside to tell me that we must prepare 
for a journey. Irene, the nurse, child, and myself were 
to leave the house at the end of an hour, the necessary 
baggage was already packed — he had also supplied furs 
and wraps, that we might not suffer from the cold. 

The latter measure had certainly not been ordered 
by the count, but was probably inspired by a remnant of 
devotion to the gentle mistress. 

“ Leave this house ! ” exclaimed Irene in an almost 
exultant tone, “ hurry ma honne^ wherever we may be 
sent, I shall breath more freely than here.” 

She dressed with the utmost haste, I could scarcely 
persuade her to drink some warm tea, which was abso- 
lutely necessary, as the weather was bitterly cold. At 
the end of an hour the intendant appeared, to conduct 
us down stairs. When we had arrived two years be- 


THE LONELY MANOR 


189 


fore, the travelling carriage had driven under the wide 
portal, a countless train of servants stood respectfully on 
each side of the flight of stairs, and the count led his 
beautiful young wife triumphantly through the ranks. 
On this dark morning — it was not yet seven o’clock — 
we glided like criminals down a back staircase to a side 
door, before which waited the vasock, a covered sledge, 
that somewhat resembled a coiiin. One after another 
we crept through the little door ; besides the coachman, 
an old servant accompanied us, who seemed to have the 
charge of defraying the expenses of the journey, for the 
intend ant gave him a sum of money and repeated certain 
orders. It was a long time before we left the great city ; 
through the little window in the back of the sledge we 
saw how gloomy and deserted the streets still appeared, 
here and there a sleepy porter opened the door of a 
house, or a coachman, holding a stable lantern, crossed a 
courtyard. Gradually the houses became smaller, 
meaner, and scattered at longer distances from each 
other, large fenced gardens divided them, then immense 
plains sparsely dotted with trees appeared, and St. 
Petersburg, which we were never again to enter, lay be- 
hind us. We found ourselves on the highway leading to 
Moscow, a road that extends hundreds of miles in un- 
varying monotony, now winding through marshy lowlands, 
now passing for miles through forests of pines. Huge 
masses of snow filled hollows and ditches, often towered 
like walls on each side of the road, and rested on the 


190 


IRENE, OR 


branches, which sometimes broke under the weight witbj 


a loud crash. After travelling many hours, we reached ^ 


a small town, a miserable village, half buried in the \ 


snow ; we stopped at the inn, and while the horses were I 


changed, were permitted to enter the waiting-room, the 
intense heat of which fairly stupefied me after the severe ; 


cold. We drank several cups of hot tea, which slightly ■ 


unthawed our benumbed limbs, and then crept back into ^ 
the vasock, where we sat nestling closely to each other i 
to protect ourselves as much as possible from the pierc- } 
ing cold. It was in the month of January, the thermom- j 
eter stood at twenty-eight degrees below zero, no wraps | 
or furs could resist the cold ; our breath filled the narrow 1 

I 

space with vapor, which formed a hoar frost on the sides. 
During the first few days, we suffered comparatively 
little from these hardships. Irene seemed to revive as. 
the distance from St. Petersburg increased ; although 
ray thoughts were constantly occupied with the unfort u- ^ 
nate Monsieur Emile, who like us was probably journey- 
ing towards his place of banishment, but with the 
difference that he was forced to endure the terrible 
weather insufficiently clad and in an open Kibitka * — I 
avoided mentioning his name, which always brought a 
flood of tears from my darling’s eyes. The thought that 
we had been the cause of his sad fate oppressed us like 
a crime. We did not even know wdiat had become of 
him, we could merely imagine. The servant had told us, 
^Travelling carriage used to transport criminals to Siberia. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


191 


that the disgraceful punishment had really been inflicted, 
and though the coachman dealt powerful blows, he did 
not utter a single outcry, but bleeding and half senseless, 
was conveyed to prison — this was all we could learn from 
the silent Vassili. According to his instructions, he at 
first avoided speaking to us and did not lose sight of us 
during the short time occupied in changing the horses, 
that we might have no communication with the outside 
world. But by degrees the laconic roughness softened, 
it did not come from his heart. Russian serfs — I am a 
good judge, for I have lived among them thirty years — 
are wonderfully kind-hearted, full of pity for the help- 
less and suffering and for children. Vassili proved the 
truth of this opinion. At first it was little Tania, who 
in her nurse’s lap was comparatively comfortable, with 
whom he made friends, he pitied her because she could 
not sleep in her little bed and had no doll ; then he in- 
quired sympathizingly about Irene Stepanovna’s health, 
and asked if he could do any thing for her. 

When we spent the nights in the wretched dirty inns, 
he tried to make them a comfortable bed of cushions, 
wraps, and straw, ran to j)rocure milk and white bread? 
stopped up with moss the chinks and holes in the vasock, 
through which the wind whistled, and faithfully did 
everything in his power to relieve our suffering. But 
he was unable to shorten the terrible length of the jour- 
ney, whose fatigues threatened to exhaust Irene’s feeble 
strength. A cough tortured her day and night, robbing 


192 


IRENE, OR 


her of rest, her head burned and ached, she complained 
of nausea, and rejected with loathing the uninviting food 
Vassili procured for us from the peasants. 

Yielding to my urgent questions about the goal of 
the journey, the servant acknowledged that he was or- 
dered to convey us t*o an estate owned by the count in 
the province of Orenburg, a letter which he was to give 
to the intendant there, contained further particulars. 
To Orenburg ! My heart stopped beating — that meant 
to cross the whole extent of the vast empire from west 
to east. We should be at least five or six weeks on the 
way, for granting that we found fresh horses at every 
station, we could only go a short distance each day ; in 
the terrible condition of the roads in the desolate east- 
ern provinces, the danger that threatened us from wolves 
and robbers, it would have been madness not to seek the 
shelter of a house at the approach of twilight. 

“What is to be done?^’ I said in silent despair^ 
“ your mistress is ill, the child too looks pale and deli- 
cate, if this goes on several weeks, you will have two 
corpses to carry. Can you answer to God for such a 
sin?” 

He twisted his fur cap in embarassment. 

“ What can I do, Pauline Carlovna?” he answered, 
looking anxiously at Irene’s pale face ; “You know the 
barin,* he will be obeyed, he would find me in the far- 
thest corner of the country, if I didn’t carry out his 
orders.” 


THE LONEL Y MANOR. 


193 


I urged him no further, I was sure he would soon be 
more accessible to my. entreaties and representations, 
Irene’s gentle endurance of suffering must soften him, 
large tears had run down on his frozen beard when he 
carried her from the sledge to the house, because she was 
too weak to walk. She grows lighter every day, I no- 
tice it,” he whispered. 

And the cold, the horrible cold ! The death-like 
stillness of the w^hite fields of snow, the desolation and 
cheerlessness, the unspeakable melancholy, that sj)read its 
dark wings over every object. Mournful was the aspect 
of the black pine forests; mournful the moaning of the 
wiin^, the croaking of the ravens, the distant howling of 
the hungry wolves ; mournful were the dilapidated wooden 
huts, the stupid faces of theiDeasants ; mournful was the 
song that interrupted the profound stillness, when we 
met a long train of merchandise, consisting of hundreds 
of carts one close behind another, while the mujiks, clad 
in sheepskin, walked singing beside them. 

Irene’s weakness increased to an alarming extent ; 
when we were two or three days journey from Moscow, 
she felt so ill, that she begged us not to carry her to the 
vasock, whose jolting, swaying motion almost made her 
poor head burst. 

I beckoned to Yassili, to leave the room with me. 

‘‘You see now,” I said to him, “ your mistress has 
only a short time to live, don’t let her perish miserably 
on the highway, give her a peaceful death. We must 
13 


194 


IRENE, OR 


remain for the present in Moscow, to get a physician for 
Irene Stepanovna ; it shall do yon no injury to yield. You 
have neither wife nor children, no ties of any kind, I’ll 
promise to provide for you better than the count ever 
will. You shall go with us to the estate your mistress 
owns, she will give you your freedom and a large piece 
of land, you shall want for nothing.” 

“ But when my master learns that we have not reached 
Orenburg, he’ll hunt for me from one end of the country 
to the other, and — woe betide me if he catches me.” 

“ You needn’t be anxious about that, a great deal of 
water will flow down the Volga before he receives a letter 
from there. And do you suppose he’ll trouble himself 
much about us. A snow-storm has buried them, or some 
other accident has happened, he will think. He would 
be glad to have these suppositions come true, he won’t 
inquire about us if we remain in the closest seclusion.” 

I talked to him a long time, and after repeatedly as- 
suring him that no news of our abode would ever reach 
the count, he at last consented. 

My plan was to write from Moscow to Gribinoff, and 
beg him to take us to Malinovka as soon as Irene had 
partially recovered. The thought of ending her days in 
the lonely manor, hallowed by memories of Valerian and 
his mother, exerted a wonderful influence upon her ; the 
expiring spark of life flamed up anew, she urged us 
eagerly onward, that she might sooner reach “ home,” as 
she called the secluded village. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


195 


We reached Moscow towards evening, but did not 
venture to enter the city, whose better class of inns 
offered people of wealth at least a tolerably comfortable 
abode. In spite of the great distance, a frequent inter- 
course existed between the old and new capital of the 
empire, how easily the countess might happen to meet 
persons, who had known her in St. Petersburg, hers was 
not a face that it was easy to forget. To avoid such a pos- 
sible encounter, we preferred to remain in the miserable 
suburbs, which no aristocratic foot ever entered. 

Vassili, who was experienced and cautious, examined 
under various pretexts the uninviting inns, where carters, 
peasants, small landowners, and petty officials lodged. 
One on Tula street looked more comfortable than the 
others ; the host, with his snow-white beard floating over 
his breast, even had a venerable appearance, and his wife’s 
round face beamed with good nature. We afterwards 
learned that they belonged to the Staroverz * sect, and 
the old man was honored as a priest and apostle by those 
of the same faith, they were excellent people, whose kind 
hearts inspired them with a tact and delicacy I have 
rarely found in higher stations. I had instructed Vassili 
to say that Irene was my daughter, who had come to 
Moscow to await the result of a lawsuit. 

At first there seemed to be difficulties in the way of 
our reception ; the silver-haired host came to the vasock 
with bared head, and regretted he had no rooms fit for 


♦ An ancient Russian faith. 


196 


IRENE, OR 


ladies, we should not be comfortable enough with him 
His wife also came out and eyed the travellers curiously, 
casting a significant glance at her husband, when I urged 
that it would be very difficult to proceed farther, as my 
daughter was weak and ill, and the child also needed rest. 
Little Tania’s piteous crying supported my entreaties. 
The husband and wife consulted together, and the hostess 
then said she would give us her own room, which was 
thoroughly heated, for the night, and the next day see 
what could be done. The sledge turned into the court- 
yard, and the worthy coujDle helped us alight, the wife 
took Tania in her arms, the old man carried Irene up 
stairs. The room was low but large, the chinks in the 
board partitions carefully stuffed with moss ; chairs, tables^ 
and bed spotlessly neat. For the first time in twelve 
days Irene could stretch herself out comfortably, she 
was so exhausted that she fell aslee]) while I was undress- 
ing her. 

For three months we remained in the little wooden 
house, whose occupants after a few days, became as dear 
to us as if they had been our nearest relatives. Nothing 
was said about our seeking other quarters, the kind old 
couple placed everything they possessed at our disposal ; 
to induce us to prolong our stay. I had sent Vassili to 
Gribinoff with a letter in which I related our sorrowful 
story and begged him to come and take us to Malinovka. 
According to my calculations the messenger would reach 
our faithful friend in ten or twelve days ; our limited 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


197 


means did not allow him to travel fast ; besides that 
would have attracted attention, he would have been 
asked for his pass, his master^s name ; he therefore went 
like the serfs on foot, now and then taking advantage of 
the opportunity to ride on some cart, which was going 
the same way. 

In the small room, with these simple people, Irene 
first learned what it is to be surrounded by unwearying 
love and tender care. Soon after our arrival, I had 
wished to obtain a doctor, as my darling^s health did not 
seem to improve ; she grew visibly thinner ; the obstinate 
dry cough made me anxious, I feared the development of 
a disease similar to that which had killed her mother. 
But how was I to procure conscientious and skilled medi- 
cal aid ? True, there were several famous foreign doctors 
in Moscow, but I dared not apply to them, because as 
their practice was exclusively among the aristocracy, 
Irene’s j)resence would have been betrayed. The usual 
Russian quacks I knew by experience ; it required the 
tough constitutions of the peasants to resist their bar- 
barous treatment, a few dozen leeches, repeated bleeding, 
Spanish flies as large as a plate — these were their sole 
remedies, which they used without the least discrimina- 
tion. 

Our host dissuaded me from sending for a jDhysician, 
he had his own, I must say, very sensible views about the 
nature of the disease. 

‘‘ The young lady’s difiJculty is here,” he said pointing 


198 


IRENE, OR 


to his breast, ‘‘ and that no doctor, only God can cure. 
To procure some alleviation of suffering is all man can 
do, and I know of an herb tea, which has already bene- 
fitted many.” 

He looked at me with such clear, honest eyes, that I 
placed implicit confidence in him. After taking the 
drink for a time, Irene felt decidedly better. The old 
man always prepared it with his own hands and brought 
it to the invalid himself, at the foot of the stairs he ex- 
changed his boots for soft shoes, that the steps might not 
creak under his tread, he opened the door cautiously, it 
was marvellous to see how noiselessly the strong man 
moved. 

Week after week elapsed, the end of February was 
approaching, and we had heard nothing from Gribinoff ; 
I did not know how to explain his silence, the thought 
that Vassili might have met with some accident never 
occurred to me. At last a letter came, informing me of 
the servants arrival. The poor fellow had nearly lost his 
life on the way, a snow-storm had overtaken him, and 
he would have perished if chance had not brought a 
peasant to the spot,' who lifted the half frozen man on 
his sledge and carried him to his hut, where he lay a 
long time unconscious. When he recovered his strength, 
he resumed his journey and succeded in reaching Gribi- 
noff. Our friend also wrote, that he thought it advisable 
for us to remain in our hiding place until spring, as a 
journey in winter might seriously endanger Irene’s health. 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


199 


As soon as the roads became passable, lie would come 
for us. The proposal was a sensible one ; I had been 
anxiously wondering how my darling would endure the 
fatigue. Marfa Carpovna shed tears of joy at the news 
that she was to keep us under her roof some time longer, 
hugged and kissed little Tania, and ran into the kitchen 
to bake her nicest golden brown pirogg. * 

The white-haired old man bad gradually become 
Irene^s dearest friend, whose society she preferred to 
mine. I did not feel offended, and willingly left her 
alone with him ; they often had long and earnest conver- 
sations, which principally concerned the things of the 
other world. He resembled a patriarch, and his faith 
was as firm and immovable as that of the men of God. 
He was wonderfully familiar with the Scriptures. In 
the evening I heard him reading the bible in a low tone 
to the invalid, at intervals answering the objections she 
made, and teaching her from the treasures of his rich ex- 
pel ience of life. What my devoted love, my sensible re- 
piesentations had not succeeded in accomplishing, this 
simple old man effected : he comforted the crushed soul, 
lightened the heavy weight that oppressed her heart, and 
led her back to the faith of her childhood. With him 
she talked of the past and freely revealed her soul, whose 
darkness he illumined with the mild light of consolation ; 
her eyes sparkled when he entered the room, she joyfully 
extended her emaciated little hands, and called him father. 


A Russian dish. 


200 


IRENE, OR 


If this transformation was incomprehensible to me — 
at my age people don^t change their opinions — I honored 
it as a miracle ; the way Irene sought peace was a matter 
of indifference to me — if she only found it. 

One morning in spring, when the snow had melted 
and the hills around Moscow were covered with a tender 
green vegatation, Gribinoff drove up to the little house. 
The sight of Irene moved him deeply, he had not expected 
to find her so altered and fragile, she was the mere 
shadow of the beautiful, blooming girl he had known^ 
The parting from our host and hostess cost many tears, 
Marfa Carpovna would not let Tania leave her arms, and 
repeatedly put her head into the carriage to give her 
another kiss, Irene clasped both the old man’s hands: 
‘‘You have saved my soul, father,” she whispered, cling- 
ing fondly to him. He blessed her and expressed the 
hope, that she would bloom into new life with the flowers. 
Turning to me, he added in a low tone : “ She will bloom 
and pass away with them ; bear submissively what God 
decrees.” 

His words were only too true — I did not deceive my- 
self in regard to her health. 

Malinovka ! The lonely manor standing on a gentle 
acclivity among the trees ; in the village women and chil- 
dren ran to the doors, to stare at the rare apparition of a 
travelling carriage. They recognized old Gribinoff, who 
sometimes came to see how matters were going, and 
shouted a cheerful “ God be with you, father.” But who 


THE LONELY MANOR, 


201 


was the pale sick lady, who had thrown back her veil, 
and was gazing dreamily into the distance. 

Before the house stood the servants, who had been 
informed of our arrival, among them Petra, Val^rian^s 
valet, who had carried his master’s corpse back to Mal- 
inovka. All kissed the hands of Irene and little Tania, 
and moved silently aside to admit us. The aged house- 
keeper, who had served Valerian’s mother, said respect- 
fully as she opened the doors of the rooms : ‘‘ Everything 

has been left just as the young master ordered it to be 
arranged, he told us himself where to put the furniture, 
which arrived from Moscow a few days before — before 
the wedding — ” sobs choked her voice. 

Irene lingered a moment on the threshold of the 
drawing room, which had been prepared for its mistress 
with such loving care, sighing heavily, she pressed both 
hand upon her heart, then closed the door behind her — 
she wished to be alone. At the end of an hour she 
called me ; the peaceful, resigned expression of her 
features was unaltered, in her gentle manner she told me 
that she wished to occupy these two rooms, where every 
object spoke to her of Valerian’s love, Tania and I were 
to take the adjoining ones in order to be near her. Dur- 
ing the beautiful, equable summer, Irene’s disease seemed 
to make no progress, she was strong enough to walk 
every evening to the two gi^aves, in which Valerian 
and his mother slept. No one was permitted to accom- 
pany hee except Petra, the former valet, who was obliged 


202 


IRBNEy OR 


to relate over and over again what lamentations arose in 
the village, when the young master’s death became known, 
and how the servants had carried him to his last resting 
place. 

I had never believed it possible, that a Russian house- 
hold could be managed so quietly and smoothly, without 
loud scolding or threats of punishment, but I had proof 
of it before my eyes. The servants were admirably 
trained, and now animated with special zeal ; for the sake 
of their sick mistress all did their duty conscientiously, 
and he who could anticipate one of her wishes was proud 
to fulfil it. When I went to her bedside in the morning, 
and she held out her hand to me, I felt each new day 
bestowed as a precious gift — I always feared she might 
fall gently and quietly asleep, without my knowledge. 

Towards autumn her weakness perceptibly increased, 
her mind often wandered for hours and she did not 
recognize those who surrounded her, at such times, when 
little Tania was playing at her feet, she often asked who 
that strange child was ? 

I will say little of her death. It was on a warm 
sunny afternoon ; before receiving the sacrament, which 
was given her by a priest who came from Gribinoff’s 
village, she said after a short struggle, in a low, but dis- 
tinct voice : 

‘‘I forgive all, who have injured me.” 

The servants knelt in the next room, weeping and 
sobbing, the child’s gay laughter rang out at intervals ; I 


THE L ONEL Y MA NOR. 


203 


wanted to take her away, but Irene, by a gesture, forbade 
it. Her bed was placed, so that she could gaze through the 
windows at the setting sun and the trees, already gay with 
the hues of autumn ; at her request I had removed the 
baptismal cross she wore around her neck, and placed it 
in her hand. She fixed her eyes upon it, and as I bent 
over her to catch her words, murmured : 

“ I know and feel, ma ionne^ that there is a divine 
justice, a gracious, loving God, who guides us to our 
eternal salvation. Promise me to rear Tania in the faith, 
that has freed her mother’s heart from all anger and 
bitterness — she will soon be alone in the world, and need 
an unwavering support, which will out last time.” 

Half an hour after she drew her last breath We 
buried her beside Valerian. 

Tania and I are left alone ; the little one does not yet 
feel that she is a poor orphan, I am all the world to her, 
and for her sake I ought not to long for death. She is 
three years old, and I have asked Gribinoff, who, in case 
of my death, can supply my place to her ? This faithful 
friend will write to a relative living in Moscow, a child- 
less widow, and ask whether she would be willing to come 
here and assist me. Then, if I die, a substitute will at 
least be provided. 


204 


IRENE, OR 


Malinovka, m the autumn of 1802. 

Death forgets me, he prefers to pluck fragrant flowers 
rather than dry, withered leaves. Now it is Tania’s 
hand, that supports me, she leads me to the arm-chair, 
arranges my pillows, pushes a stool under my feet, wraps 
me in warm shawls, and the joyful eagerness with which 
she renders these little services, really beautifies her by 
no means pretty face. A good, sensible child, in whom 
the instincts of the housekeeper are already stirring, 
plain and insignificant in her external ap2)earance as well 
as in her intellectual gifts. She has, thank Heaven, one 
of those commonplace natures, that enjoy the advantage 
of being spared any unusual fate. I think she will never 
marry but end her days in Malinovka, she seems just 
suited for an old maid. 

Besides, how should she make the acquaintance of a 
man ? We have no neighbors and see no one except Gribi- 
noff, who lives as quietly as ourselves. A few days ago, 
for the first time, a stranger crossed our threshold — a 
stranger ! For my feeble eyes did not recognize him till 
he mentioned his name : it was Monsieur Emile, who had 
returned from Siberia. The Emperor Alexander, on his 
accession to the throne, granted an amnesty, and thereby 
opened the doors of freedom to thousands of unfortunates. 
The fair-haired youth had become a grave man with fur- 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


205 


rowed brow and an expression of deep bitterness around 
the compressed lips. He had been to St. Petersburg, to 
see his old mother, of whom he had heard no tidings dur- 
ing all the long years — for criminals condemned to the 
mines are not ]3ermitted to receive letters. She had 
exchanged her little house for the churchyard, the lodging 
which sooner or later all occupy, whether they have lived 
in palaces or huts. 

The loving remembrance of Irene had not been effaced 
by all the suffering she had innocently brought ujDon 
him. His first efforts had therefore been directed to- 
wards obtaining information of her. It was not difficult 
to get news of Count W. ; he heard that the powerful 
general had become a helpless, j)aralyzed old man, trem- 
bling before the look and voice of his hauglity, cold- 
hearted wife, who from the first days of her marriage had 
ruled him with despotic power. It was said that she im- 
patiently awaited his death, and made no secret of the 
aversion inspired by the man whom she had wedded 
solely for his wealth ; with the refinement of cruelty, she 
daily told him that she was the avenger of his first wife, 
the gentle, angel-like creature, whom he had driven to 
madness and an early death. 

No one could give any information of Irene, except- 
that she had been put in a sledge with the old governess 
and the child and sent away ; as she had not reached the 
estate in Orenburg and nothing was heard from the ser- 
vant who accompanied her, it was supposed that she had 


IRENE, OR 


died on the way in a snow storm or by some other accident. 

Monsieur Emile — call him so from habit — was not 
satisfied with this vague news, he remembered Gribinoff 
and resolved to apply to him, some presentiment whis- 
pered that Irene might have fled to this tried old friend. 
So he had come to find even here only a grave, but it 
consoled him to hear how peacefully and submissively 
she had met death. 

He left us after a few days ; he wished to make up 
for the nine years he had lost, I think he intended to go 
into business with a companion in suffering, who, like 
him, had been imprisoned in the Siberian mines for a 
pretended crime. I wished him good fortune from my 
inmost heart. May happiness at last smile upon him ! 


THE LONELY MANOR. 


207 


CONCLUSION 

Added by Tatiana Grbgoeibvna. 

Malinovka, 1812. 

To-day, my twentieth birthday, my guardian, Iran 
Ivanovitsch Gribinoff, gave me these papers. They con- 
tained a sad story, which strengthened me more and 
more in the determination never to leave my lonely 
Malinovka for the wicked world. Here every one loves 
me ; when I take my evening walk in the village, the 
children run joyously to meet me, young and old respect- 
fully greet ‘‘ the good mistress.’’ 

Ma honne^ my mother’s faithful nurse and mine also? 
fell gently asleep two years ago. Her mind retained its 
clearness until she drew her last breath, and I think I 
learned more in the hours I sat on a stool beside her arm- 
chair and she talked to me, than from the governesses, 
who gave me regular instruction. 

Soon after her death Ivan Ivanovitsch GribinoS 
learned that Count W. my father — I can hardly utter 
the word — was dead. As my guardian, he thought it 
his duty to assert my claims to the property ; the papers 
attesting my birth were sent to the widow, whose avarice 
nduced her to refuse to acknowledge them. She would 


208 


IRENE, OR 


rather run the risk of a law suit, she wrote, which, it is 
true, would heap still more disgrace on the count’s memory 
but this was a matter of entire indifference to her. 
Gribinoff was so enraged by this cynicism, that he deter- 
mined to defend my rights in a court of law, but I en- 
treated him not to recall the horrible story, the name 
of my dear, unhappy mother was too sacred to me to drag 
it before a public tribunal, and the count was my father, 
though he had never performed a father’s duties. I 
needed no wealth, tlie value of Malinovka had increased 
under my economical management, I had more money 
than I wanted. There was but one thing 1 earnestly 
desired to j)ossess : my mother’s portrait, which ma bomie 
had told me was such a wonderful likeness. My guar 
dian again applied to the widow, and this time with more 
success ; she sent not only the desired picture, but also 
my father’s, from which she doubtless did not find it hard 
to part. I hung them on the right and left of Jthe man- 
tel-piece before which I spend my evenings with my com- 
panion and the housekeeper. After my death, they, as 
well as all my property, shall go to my step-brothers and 
sisters, who, though I do not know them, are my only 
relatives. 

Since I myself have suffered from injustice, I will act 
with strict impartiality. 

* * 

* 

These were the papers my friend, the old lady’s 
nephew, had given me to read. The gentle Irene doubt- 


THE LONEL Y MANOR. 


209 


less a thousand times recalled the curse uttered in a mo" 
ment of despair, but misfortune has hitherto pursued 
Count W.’s descendants. At any rate I resolved not to 
leave my friend long in a house so full of sorrowful mem- 
ories. Before I fell asleep, I made all sorts of plans forget- 
ting him away from this solitude and bringing him, appar- 
ently by chance into the society of a charming girl, who 
cherished a deep affection for him, and whose sunny 
smiles could not fail to drive away the fits of melancholy, 
that at times attack him. 


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NUMBERS NOW READY: 


1. Hyperion, by Longfellow, . , .20 

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5. Frankenstein, by Mrs. Shelley, . .10 

6. The Last of the Mohicans, . . .20 

7. Clyde, by Joseph Hatton, . . .20 

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Part I, 10 

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Utopia, by Lord Lytton, . . .i» 

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2 , The Spanish Nun, by Thos. De 

Quincey, 10 

21. The Green Mountain Boys, by 

Judge D. P. Thompson, . .20 


TO BE FOLLOWED BY 


1 

t 


A Tale of Two Cities, by Chas. 

Dickens, 20 

Pomola, by George Eliot, . , . .20 
I leurette, by Eugene Scribe, . . .20 
East Lynne, by Mrs. Henry Wood, . .20 


Hypatia, by Rev. Charles Kingsley, .20 
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, . ,20 

Sad Fortunes of Rev. Amos Barton, 
by George Eliot, . . . . .to 

Vixen, by Miss M. E. Braddon, . .20 


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Seekers after God, by Canon Farrar, 

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John Halifax, Gentleman, by Miss 

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